Postdoctoral Fellow – Cowpea Agronomist/Physiologist

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cowpea Agronomist/Physiologist (Ref: DDG-R4D/PDF/CAP/02/14)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow – Cowpea Agronomist/Physiologist.

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical regions of the world. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate 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 visithttp://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

Position/Responsibilities

The tasks of the Postdoctoral Fellow – Cowpea Agronomist/Physiologist are to:

• Establish efficient field and screen house phenotyping methodologies for drought and low P tolerance in cowpea.
• Identify cultivated and cross compatible wild cowpea genotypes with drought and low-P tolerance.
• Investigate the physiological basis for drought and low P tolerance and adaptation mechanisms in cowpea.
• Contribute to the understanding of genetic basis for drought and low P tolerance and identification of associated QTLs.
• Study interactions between legumes and cereals in inter/strip-cropping system with a view to enhancing resource use efficiency, productivity and sustainability of cereal-legume systems in West and Central Africa.
• Contribute to resource mobilization and strengthening of NARS partners’ capacity in agronomy or physiology.
• Provide guidance and direction to national staff.
• Publish research results in reputable international journals.
• Co-supervise research of postgraduate students.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a PhD degree in Crop Physiology, Agronomy or related field.

Core Competencies

• Experience in legume research.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical tools and database management.
• Excellent spoken and written English; ability to communicate in French is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Duty station: Kano, Nigeria.

General information: Initial appointment is for two years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application

Closing Date: 28th February 2014

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

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.