Cassava Breeder

(Ref: DDG-R4D/HPCB/02/12)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of a Cassava Breeder.

IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

Position/Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of the HarvestPlus Cassava Breeder will include:

• Contribute to the development of highly productive cassava varieties that combine multiple disease and pest resistance and high dry matter content with high nutritional quality (provitamin A carotenoids) through activities including:
• Introduction and screening of cassava germplasm to identify higher root content of beta carotene as well as high levels of its retention after traditional processing.
• Validation of trait expression in adapted genotypes.
• Crossing followed by multi-site evaluation and selection of progenies.
• Inheritance studies for provitamin A carotenoids and other key cassava breeding traits
• Development of molecular markers for provitamin A carotenoids.
• Contribute to development of cassava breeding data management system.
• Fostering relationships and linkages with partners in national agricultural research and extension systems, the private sector and Advanced Research Institutes.
• Fostering an effective mechanism for delivery of improved cassava germplasm to NARS and the private sector.
• Providing technical backstopping and assistance in building cassava breeding capacity of national programs.
• Contribute to project report writing and publications.

Duty Station: Ibadan, Nigeria. Frequent travel is expected and candidates should be willing to work in small-scale farm settings in Africa.

Qualifications/Experience:

The candidate should have a PhD degree in plant breeding or genetics and good working knowledge of molecular genetics and use of statistical software and genetic tools.

• At least 5 years experience in a field-breeding program.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, management, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• Demonstrated strong statistical data analysis capabilities.
• Fluency in oral and written English. Working knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa is an added advantage.

General Information: Initial appointment is for two years (renewable) starting as soon as possible. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application

Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.