IITA Plant Pathologist (Aflatoxin Biocontrol)

 Plant Pathologist (Aflatoxin Biocontrol) (Ref: DDG-R4D/PP/11/12)

 Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of a Plant Pathologist (Aflatoxin Biocontrol).

 

IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating 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.

 

Position/Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities of the Plant Pathologist (Aflatoxin Biocontrol) is to: work with other team members for developing, testing and commercializing aflatoxin biocontrol products in maize and groundnuts for improving health and income of people in Southern Africa. The successful candidate will become a member of a team that is developing an Africa-wide aflatoxin biocontrol program (for more details see: www.aflasafe.com).

 

Specifically to:

·            Conduct surveys to determine the prevalence and severity of mycotoxins in southern Africa.

·            Identify, with farmers, the best atoxigenic strains for biocontrol in maize and groundnut.

·            Commercialize the best atoxigenic strains into a commercial product, and engage in product stewardship and market development for regional biocontrol products.

·            Nurture national capacity in aflatoxin research and monitoring.

·            Raise awareness on aflatoxin contamination and engage in advocacy for mycotoxin management.

·            Evaluate the effectiveness of aflatoxin management in maize and groundnut, with a focus on biocontrol.

·            Backstop investigation and promotion of integrated management approaches against pre- and post-harvest aflatoxin contamination, and train farmers in integrated management options.

·            Foster partnerships with national agriculture research and extension systems, private sector enterprises and advanced research institutes.

·            Supervise budgets, implement activities of partners and sub-grantees and submit reports to donors in a timely manner.

·            Supervise national and international MSc and PhD students, and locally and regionally recruited IITA staff.

·            Streamline activities with other aflatoxin-related or similar IITA projects in other countries.

·            Prepare grant proposals for supporting research on aflatoxin biocontrol and other research on mycotoxins.

·            Prepare reports for donors in a timely manner.

·            Publish and communicate research results in peer-reviewed journals, books, workshops and conferences.

 

 

Educational Qualifications

The candidate must have a PhD degree in plant pathology or related field.

 

Core Competencies:

·            Advanced degree (PhD) in Plant Pathology or related area with multi-disciplinary and multi-location research activities. This research should have resulted in peer reviewed publications.

·            Resource mobilization experience

·            Proven organizational, planning and budget management experience.

·            Experience in biological control of fungi and/or biocontrol commercialization highly preferred. Research experience on Aspergillus will be an advantage.

·            Proven networking capacity with scientists from both local and advanced research institutes, and with other stakeholders (private sector, manufacturers).

·            Understanding of molecular biology tools and how they are applied in plant pathology research.

·            Excellent scientific publication record.

·            Familiarity with on-farm research methods.

·            Computer literacy and statistical data analysis capabilities.

·            Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment

·            Excellent leadership, mentoring, management, interpersonal, and team building skills

·            Working knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Duty Station:    IITA-Zambia, Lusaka.

 

General Information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

 

Applications:  Applications including covering letter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application

 

Closing Date: 3^rd January 2013

 

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

                                         

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.