# Molecular Breeding Senior Research Associate

> International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA) · Ibadan, Nigeria · — · Posted 2026-10-23

**Workplace:** on_site

**Department:** NRS

## Description

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 Associate**

**Contract:       3-years renewable contract**                                            

**Location: Ibadan**

**Closing Date: 25 October 2026**

**DUTIES**

**A.     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.

**B.      Data Management**

-   Curate genotypic data into the EBS database
-   Maintain and update the custom inventory database on SharePoint.

**C. 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.

**D.     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.

**E.      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.

**F.       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

**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.

## Benefits

**REMUNERATION**

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

## Apply

[Apply at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA)](https://apply.workable.com/iita/j/D6836D93E1/apply)

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