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The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian nationals for the position below at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.
Position: Molecular Breeding Senior Research Associate
Contract: 3-years renewable contract
Location: Ibadan
Closing Date: 25 October 2026
DUTIES
A. Research data acquisition, storage, & Analysis
- Trait discovery and development: Conduct QTL analysis to identify genomic regions associated with favourable traits; annotate significant genomic regions and develop tightly linked molecular markers for breeding applications.
- Analyse large-scale genotypic and phenotypic datasets using bioinformatics tools (PLINK, RStudio, TASSEL, Galaxy, etc.). Select and convert high-PIC, informative SNPs from fingerprinting data into KASP markers for mid-density marker panel development.
- Prepare technical reports and research summaries.
- Contribute technical reports, manuscripts, and slides preparation
- Presentation of research findings at relevant forums.
B. Data Management
- Curate genotypic data into the EBS database
- Maintain and update the custom inventory database on SharePoint.
C. Supervision & Capacity Building
- Support post graduate students, interns, and visiting researchers in wet-lab and dry-lab techniques.
- Support group and individual training sessions, including hands-on molecular biology workshops.
- Support scientists in coordinating training schedules for visiting scientists from National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and other partners.
D. Coordinate Genotyping Services with Vendors and Service Delivery to Regional Partners
- Liaise with Breeding Services and service vendors to ensure availability of consumables for timely order processing, tissue sampling, shipping logistics, sample submission, data interpretation, and storage.
- Develop a work plan and cost estimate for providing genotyping services, such as QC, to private-sector partners.
E. Lab operations and procurement
- Lead end-to-end project management for small and large-scale genotyping projects, mainly for maize program but also support other crops as needed.
- Manage procurement of laboratory reagents and screen-house consumables to maintain project operations.
F. Tracking GMO contamination in maize breeding germplasm and pipelines
- Support scientists in tracking and sampling maize grain and plants in testing for maize GMO events available in Nigeria
- Testing samples for GMO events in maize grain and plants
- Supporting seed shipment and compliance officer in generating GMO analysis reports.
Requirements
QUALIFICATION
Master of Science (MSc.) degree in Molecular Biology or a closely related field, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in molecular biology laboratory operations within a well-structured organization.
COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate must have:
- Knowledge of diversity analysis, association analysis, linkage mapping, and marker-assisted selection.
- Proficiency in relevant software and tools, including TASSEL, PLINK, RStudio, JoinMap, CodonAligner, and Galaxy.
- Competence in coordinating tissue sampling, shipping, sample tracking, data filtering, and analysis.
- Ability to liaise with international genotyping service providers and internal breeding programs to ensure workflow continuity.
- Experience in procurement and resource planning, including managing laboratory, screen-house consumables and anticipating resource requirements.
- Strong scientific writing and presentation skills, including drafting technical reports and scientific manuscripts and preparing presentation slides.
- Supervisory, mentorship, and capacity-building skills, including training delivery and stakeholder training coordination.
- Strong data curation and database management skills, including experience with Enterprise Breeding System (EBS), Bioflow, and SharePoint.
Benefits
REMUNERATION
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
1971
$839M
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CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) is a global partnership formed in 1971 that brings together countries, international development agencies, and private foundations. Its mission is to enhance agricultural research to improve food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable agricultural development worldwide. The organization operates through a consortium of over a dozen research centers, focusing on various agricultural aspects such as crop improvement, livestock, water management, and genetic resources. CGIAR conducts research programs that address global challenges, including food security, nutrition, and climate change. Key initiatives include improving water management for food production, enhancing the micronutrient content of staple crops, and increasing the use of crop genetic resources to develop new plant varieties. CGIAR's outputs include improved crop varieties, livestock breeds, and sustainable farming techniques, which are shared with smallholder farmers, agricultural researchers, policymakers, and development agencies. The organization plays a vital role in supporting sustainable food systems and rural development through its collaborative network.
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