Job Summary: The IITA Research Associate will be responsible for plant breeding to be based at IITA-Uganda at the National Crop Resources Research Institute at Sendusu/Namulonge. This position may entail travelling for official assignment both within and outside Uganda. IITA works on breeding and improvement of highland cooking bananas for East Africa with a focus on improved yields, quality and host plant resistance. The primary duties of the research associate will be to support the principal scientists in carrying out research.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Actively coordinate breeding activities
Responsible for the design and manage trials and experiments
Oversee all field and laboratory operations, data collection, computer data entry and analysis, synthesis and writing reports.
Actively coordinate and supervise field and lab labour of Research Assistants, Research Technicians and trainees
Perform any other duties assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The Research Associate should hold a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences preferably with an emphasis in breeding and genetics, or agronomy, or plant physiology;
A minimum of three or more years of relevant working experience.
Working knowledge of agronomic practices, statistics, and experimental procedures;
Working knowledge of banana production and production constraints;
Possess excellent communication, interpersonal and reporting skills;
Possess the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and in a cross-cultural setting.
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Computer literacy skills with Microsoft Office
How to Apply:
All candidates should send their applications including an updated curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of three referees and send them to the Country Representative, IITA-Uganda P.O. Box, 7878, Kampala, OR hand deliver to Plot 15, East Naguru Road OR email to: IITA-Uganda@cgiar.org. Please clearly indicate Research Associate-Breeding in subject line if sending by email or on envelope if sending by post, or hand delivery.
Deadline: 20th February 2015