Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Ref: DDG-R4D/PDF/MB/B/06/17
Location: Ibadan
Recruitment Type: National (3 year renewable contract)

Position Responsibilities
The tasks will include:

• Manage Confined Field Trials for CASS project
• Supervise sampling and sample processing for the CASS project.
• Manage all activities related to the CASS confined field trials.
• Investigate the molecular basis of resistance to viral diseases (CMD and CBSV) in cassava.
• Study genes and pathways involved in the mechanism of storage root initiation in cassava.
• Study the differential expression profile of mRNA and smallRNA in different cassava genotypes before and after storage root initiation
• Study the differential RNA expression profiles in banana genotypes selected within the MUSA project.
• Produce and analyse RNA and smallRNA sequencing data in collaboration with the bioinformatics unit.
• Implement capacity for NGS RNA libraries preparation at Bioscience unit.
• Implement capacity for assessment of gene function and gene modification including: agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression and virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) technologies.
• Publish work in peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervise and train PhD and master students supported by the CASS and MUSA projects in advanced molecular biology and virology.

Educational Qualifications

• The candidate should have earned a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology or Plant Biotechnology or Plant Protection or associated discipline from a recognized university.

Core Competencies:

• Excellent skills in advanced molecular biology.
• Experience in agrobacteria and plant transformation.
• Experience in Virus-induced gene silencing technology.
• Experience in Next Generation Sequencing library preparation.
• Experience in molecular virology.
• Work experience in a biosafety level 2 facility.
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish articles in peer reviewed international journals.
• Ability to work independently in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-cultural environment.
• Experience in NGS data analysis is an asset
• At least 5-years postdoc work experience in an advanced plant molecular laboratory would be an advantage

Remuneration
The contract will be for an initial period of two years. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.