Molecular Breeding Senior Research Associate

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 AssociateContract: 3-years renewable contract Location: IbadanClosing Date: 31 October 2026DUTIES Research data acquisition, storage, & AnalysisTrait 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 applicationsAnalyse 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 developmentPrepare technical reports and research summariesContribute technical reports, manuscripts, and slides preparationPresentation of research findings at relevant forums Data ManagementCurate genotypic data into the EBS database Maintain and update the custom inventory database on SharePoint Supervision & Capacity BuildingSupport post graduate students, interns, and visiting researchers in wet-lab and dry-lab techniquesSupport group and individual training sessions, including hands-on molecular biology workshopsSupport scientists in coordinating training schedules for visiting scientists from National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and other partners Coordinate Genotyping Services with Vendors and Service Delivery to Regional PartnersLiaise with Breeding Services and service vendors to ensure availability of consumables for timely order processing, tissue sampling, shipping logistics, sample submission, data interpretation, and storageDevelop a work plan and cost estimate for providing genotyping services, such as QC, to private-sector partners Lab operations and procurementLead 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 Tracking GMO contamination in maize breeding germplasm and pipelinesSupport scientists in tracking and sampling maize grain and plants in testing for maize GMO events available in NigeriaTesting samples for GMO events in maize grain and plantsSupporting seed shipment and compliance officer in generating GMO analysis reportsRequirementsQUALIFICATIONMaster 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.COMPETENCIESThe ideal candidate must have:Knowledge of diversity analysis, association analysis, linkage mapping, and marker-assisted selectionProficiency in relevant software and tools, including TASSEL, PLINK, RStudio, JoinMap, CodonAligner, and GalaxyCompetence in coordinating tissue sampling, shipping, sample tracking, data filtering, and analysisAbility to liaise with international genotyping service providers and internal breeding programs to ensure workflow continuityExperience in procurement and resource planning, including managing laboratory, screen-house consumables and anticipating resource requirementsStrong scientific writing and presentation skills, including drafting technical reports and scientific manuscripts and preparing presentation slidesSupervisory, mentorship, and capacity-building skills, including training delivery and stakeholder training coordinationStrong data curation and database management skills, including experience with Enterprise Breeding System (EBS), Bioflow, and SharePointBenefitsREMUNERATIONWe offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.