Genetic Resources Scientist for Clonally Propagated Crops at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Background

• Plant and animal genetic resources are the foundation for sustainable agriculture and global food security.
• Genetic diversity enables plants to adapt to new pests and diseases as well as to threats from climate change, drought, soil erosion, and more.
• Today, we are losing genetic resources at an unprecedented rate, while the world’s capacity to maintain food security decreases.
• Agricultural sustainability is dependent on a strong conservation component.
• IITA’s conservation activities started in the mid-seventies with the establishment of a genebank.
• Depending on the species, collections are either stored in the field, seed, or in vitro genebanks.
• IITA’s genebank holds the plant material (germplasm) of major food crops of Africa.
• This germplasm is held in trust on behalf of humanity under the auspices of the United Nations. It is distributed without restriction for use in research for food and agriculture.
• At the same time, there is a need for research and innovation to enhance conservation efficiencies for both seed and clonal crops.
• The facilitation of germplasm uses by CGIAR breeding programs and others is also important, for example with respect to traits important for climate change and nutrition.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a program of research to address the major constraints in the conservation and use of genetic resources of clonally propagated crops. Particularly:
  • Research on and implementation of IITA clonal crop (cassava and yam) cryopreservation and establishment of IITA cryobank.
  • Studies on key aspects of the biology of clonally propagated crops, especially regarding their response to tissue culture and the provision of clean planting materials.
  • Facilitate and ensure the use of the genebank accessions by breeding programs for genetic improvement.
  • Put in place a quality management system (QMS) up to international standards.
  • Publication in peer-review (Thompson) and high-impact and open-access journals.
  • Development of strong scientific collaborations inside and beyond ITA.
  • Resource mobilization.
• Operational management of the in vitro and cryopreservation activities of the Genetic Resources Centre (GRC) toward meeting performance targets.
• Training and capacity building of IITA staff and national partners in Africa and globally, including promotion of PGR use and technology transfer to partners.
• Perform other job-related duties as may be assigned by your supervisor.

Educational Qualifications

• The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Plant Biology and Physiology, Genetics, Conservation Biology, or related fields from a highly recognized university.

Core Competencies:

• Minimum of five years experience in either an advanced research institute or Commercial mass propagation company.
• Expertise in plant biology and physiology, plant biotechnology including micropropagation and transformation.
• Knowledge of molecular biology, conservation, cell biology, botanic, seed biology, or other related sciences is an asset.
• Experience in a multidisciplinary research organization and cross-cultural environment, preferably in a not-for-profit organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. French is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion (GDI) awareness and understanding.
• Highly effective planning, organizational, and multi‐tasking skills with a positive attitude and strong administrative service orientation.

Remuneration
IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.