Molecular Breeding Senior Research Associate

<p>The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian nationals for the position below at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.</p><p></p><p><strong>Position:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Molecular Breeding Senior Research Associate</strong></p><p><strong>Contract:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3-years renewable contract&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Location: Ibadan</strong></p><p><strong>Closing Date: 25 October 2026</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>DUTIES</strong></p><p><strong>A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Research data acquisition, storage, &amp; Analysis</strong></p><ul><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>Prepare technical reports and research summaries.</li><li>Contribute technical reports, manuscripts, and slides preparation</li><li>Presentation of research findings at relevant forums.</li></ul><p><strong>B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Data Management</strong></p><ul><li>Curate genotypic data into the EBS database </li><li>Maintain and update the custom inventory database on SharePoint.</li></ul><p><strong>C. Supervision &amp; Capacity Building</strong></p><ul><li>Support post graduate students, interns, and visiting researchers in wet-lab and dry-lab techniques.</li><li>Support group and individual training sessions, including hands-on molecular biology workshops.</li><li>Support scientists in coordinating training schedules for visiting scientists from National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and other partners.</li></ul><p><strong>D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coordinate Genotyping Services with Vendors and Service Delivery to Regional Partners</strong></p><ul><li>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.</li><li>Develop a work plan and cost estimate for providing genotyping services, such as QC, to private-sector partners.</li></ul><p><strong>E.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lab operations and procurement</strong></p><ul><li>Lead end-to-end project management for small and large-scale genotyping projects, mainly for maize program but also support other crops as needed. </li><li>Manage procurement of laboratory reagents and screen-house consumables to maintain project operations.</li></ul><p><strong>F.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tracking GMO contamination in maize breeding germplasm and pipelines</strong></p><ul><li>Support scientists in tracking and sampling maize grain and plants in testing for maize GMO events available in Nigeria</li><li>Testing samples for GMO events in maize grain and plants</li><li>Supporting seed shipment and compliance officer in generating GMO analysis reports.</li></ul>