DDG-R4D/PDF/VE/03/15

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Fellow – Vector Entomologist.

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical nations. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

IITA seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to work as a vector entomologist in supporting the work of IITA in East Africa on the molecular ecology and management of vectors of cassava viruses.

The successful candidate will be expected to oversee research activities on cassava virus vectors that are implemented through a collaborative research program between IITA and USDA and ensure that project outputs are delivered according to an agreed results framework. 

The successful candidate will additionally provide support to IITA’s co-PI for the project in managing the work programs of a team of research technicians, and fostering linkages between project activities in Tanzania and Kenya, and with partner institutions. The candidate will work under the supervision of the IITA co-PI and he/she will report to the Regional Hub Director of Eastern Africa and the Director, Crop Management and Plant Health.

Position/Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Fellow will undertake the following activities:

• Support cassava virus vector research studies leading to the development of improved management approaches.
• Conduct laboratory, field-based and screenhouse research studies aimed at improving understanding of cassava virus vectors, and producing high quality research results.
• Publish research outputs in peer-reviewed international journal articles.
• Communicate workplans, experimental results and allied project activities through presentations, reports and other media formats to promote the outputs of the project.
• Support resource mobilization for cassava virus vector research in East Africa.
• Contribute to the development and supervision of PhD and MSc study programs.
• Represent IITA’s virus vector ecology group to external stakeholders, where required.
• Support effective partnerships with CGIAR centers, National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems and Advanced Research Institutes.
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification and Experience

The candidate should have a PhD in plant protection or related discipline with skills in molecular biology. Preference will be given to those candidates who have previous experience of research on virus vectors, or related entomological disciplines.

General Information

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

Duty station: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, but also involving travel in country, within East Africa, and internationally for project meetings and conference participation

General information: Initial appointment is for two years. This may be extended on the basis of performance and availability of funds. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars. 

Applications: Applications which must include a covering letter, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers

Closing Date: 31st March 2015 or until a suitable candidate is found.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Method of Application:   

Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include 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 and evidence of current remuneration package to IITA website.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from female candidates.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted