Research Supervisor (Population Development) at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Ref: IITA-HR- NRS2017-017B
Location: Ibadan
Recruitment Type: National (3-year renewable contract)

Responsibilities
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Support International Trials Manager and scientist of the Yam breeding unit in developing new populations of yam by controlled bi-parental crosses, semi-controlled polycrosses and open-pollinated seeds;
• Perform experiments to improve crossing success, minimize labour requirements, and identify critical factors affecting flowering, seed set, and seed viability;
• Develop protocols to synchronize flowering, store pollen, and extend storage of botanical seeds;
• Co-ordinate planting of crossing blocks with disease-free tubers, management using protocols to maximize flowering, harvesting of fruit at maturity, and extraction of botanical seeds
• Collect, collate and summarize field, screen house and lab data using electronic devices and data management software to prepare reports, monitor multiplication rates, and maintain accurate inventories;
• Liaise with other units to do pathogen and pest testing and to obtain phytosanitary certificates for botanical seeds to be distributed to partners;
• Evaluate flowering and seed set of clones tested within the Yam breeding unit and assist with adoption of irrigation.
• Prepare weekly plan for screen house/field workers and technicians in consultation with the International trials manager, the Research Associate and other research supervisors in the unit;
• Supervise and coordinate the implementation of the weekly plan for Research Technicians and field/screen house assistants;
• Prepare protocols for germination of seeds; transplanting of seedlings in screen house or field; planting and maintenance of crossing blocks, pollinations, fruit harvest, and seed extraction; and supervise the implementation of these protocols;
• Supervise and maintain data records and accurate inventories of botanical seeds stored in well-labelled containers, plants in screen house, seedling and parent tubers in yam barn, and field plots;
• Manage and evaluate seedling and first clonal generation in field or screen houses for critical traits;
• Ensure screen houses are well-maintained, seedlings are grown under optimum conditions to produce tubers or vine-cuttings and diseases/pests controlled;
• Maintain working areas for Yam breeding unit in clean and organized manner;
• Prepare and implement quality standards and continuous improvement of protocols in the unit;
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• HND/B.Sc in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Genetics or related discipline with At least two (2) years’ relevant experience performing similar role.

Competencies
Ideal Candidate must have:

• Applied knowledge in plant propagation, crop breeding and genetics, plant pathology, post-harvest storage, and screen house nursery / field trial management.
• Excellent knowledge of data management software programs.
• Demonstrated success in working in multi-disciplinary projects. Excellent communication and inter-personal skills and ability to multi-task effectively.
• Proactive, innovative and creative attitudes and ability to learn new skills quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required

Remuneration
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

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