Postdoctoral Fellow, Yam Agronomist By International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

IITA is one of the world's leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach addresses the development needs of tropical countries.

IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture.

IITA is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 in Nigeria and governed by a Board of Trustees. IITA works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize.

It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

IITA operates an International House (I-House), with 108 well-appointed rooms, spacious dormitory facilities, and a conference hall that is an ideal venue for organizing workshops, retreats, team building exercises, or a relaxing weekend with the family.

The campus also has leisure and recreational facilities, and a community store which offers basic household goods for campus residents.

IITA seeks suitable Nigerians for the following position below:

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow, Yam Agronomist

Position Responsibilities

The tasks will include to:

Develop soil fertility management practices to optimize yam yield. Evaluate yield potential of improved yam varieties grown in high and low fertility soils. Evaluate advanced breeding clones and local varieties for NUE, tuber yield, quality and nutritional values. Develop yam selection scheme that includes value-added traits. Investigate yam plant nutrient uptake from soil under different fertilizer regimes. Investigate the impact of fertilizer on growth and tuber yield of yam. Supervise at least two local staff and ensure their efficient work under the project. Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals listed in Thomson Journals, give presentations at conferences directed both to the scientific community and to stakeholders. Develop research ideas and contribute to novel research proposals for submission to external funders. Write annual technical reports in both Japanese and English languages.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a PhD in Yam Agronomy or Agronomy, Crop Physiology and any related field.

Core Competencies:

Basic knowledge of yam agronomy, physiology and production. Theoretical and software knowledge of data management and statistical analysis. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to communicate and to work in a multicultural environment. Willingness to travel extensively.

General Information

The appointment is from April 2017 to March 2018 with possibility of contract extension subject to availability of funds.

IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.

Job location

Ibadan.