Research Assistant at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Ref:IITA-HR-NRS2017-0023D
Locations: Ibadan & Abuja
Recruitment Type: National (1-2 year renewable contract)

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

• Collect data from field and screen house trials with appropriate data capturing tools, prepare field book with appropriate tools, stacks data and imports into Yam data management system (Yambase).
• Input data into field data software as needed and assist with plot randomizations and trial preparation for all plots
• Responsible for training of support staff and technicians at project partner locations in quality data management and disease phenotyping.
• Assist yam breeder in the implementation of crossing block, generation of seedling and tuber progenies, clonal selection and field experiments including nursery and trial planting material preparation and management.
• Plant pollination, screening and yield trial plots in screen house or field as needed. Distribute germplasm to partners and maintain record of distribution as needed. Make crosses/pollination, harvest, process and store true seeds from crossing block
• Assists breeder in selecting best families and clones from different types of crosses, improves population, and maintain progenitors and breeding stocks.
• Perform other duties assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

• HND/B.Sc in Plant Science/Biology or related field with minimum of two (2) years’ experience in crop improvement research preferably with clonally propagated crops or yam

Competencies
The ideal candidate must have:

• Applied knowledge in crop breeding and genetics, experimental design, crossing, screen house nursery and field trial management.
• Excellent knowledge of data management and statistical software programs.
• Demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships in research or project implementation.
• Excellent social skills, collaborative style, and ability to multi-task effectively.
• Proactive, innovative and creative attitude. 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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