Research Associate at IITA - Ibadan

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian Nationals for the below positions at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.

Job Title: Research Associate
Duration: 2-year renewable contract

Location: Ibadan

Job Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist in scientific support/backstopping to national programs on product development, processing and utilization of IITA mandate crops (cassava, maize, soybean, yam and cowpea).
• Provide technical support to small and medium scale processors on processing and utilization of IITA mandate crops (Cassava, Maize, Soybean, Yam and Cowpea)
• Assist in conducting Training of Trainers workshops and demonstrates on product development, processing and utilization of IITA mandate crops (Cassava, Maize, Soybean, Yam and Cowpea)
• Develop new products using Cassava, Maize, Soybean, Yam and Cowpea.
• Work with non- government organization and community-based organizations to disseminate technologies on IITA Mandate crops
• Ensure day-to-day operation of the food processing and postharvest engineering laboratories, general supervision of staff, and related matters.
• Provide links with other projects involved in commercialization of IITA mandate crops
• Maintain correspondence and linkages with collaborators
• Work in collaboration with the private sector in product development and testing
• Assist in planning, implementing and monitoring of pilot processing plants
• Provide expertise in quality control/assurance of food products, analytical data and food production plants.
• Perform any duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualification and Experience

• Masters degree in Food Science and Technology and other related fields.
• Minimum of three (5) years’ working experience in agriculture research organization will be an added advantage.
• The ideal candidate must be willing to travel extensively within Africa.
• Good Knowledge of Human Nutrition
• Excellent English reporting, writing and oral communication skills
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point)
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and organize workload; take initiative and work under pressure
• Good team spirit and also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties

Remuneration
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date
29th January, 2013

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/ Superior officer at work. Evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA website.

Note: Application letters not accompanied with evidence of current remuneration and age will not be treated. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.