Molecular Breeding Senior Research Associate

Your tasks

• 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
• Data Management
• Curate genotypic data into the EBS database
• Maintain and update the custom inventory database on SharePoint
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

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

What we offer

BenefitsREMUNERATION* We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment. <

Other

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 contractLocation: IbadanClosing Date: 25 October 2026DUTIES