Postdoctoral Fellow -Yam Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation

Postdoctoral Fellow -Yam Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation (Ref: DDG-R4D/PDF/YTCT/09/13)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow -Yam Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation.

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.

Position/Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Fellow will:

• Develop rapid and robust regeneration systems for D. rotundata and D. alata.
• Validate robust regeneration system with various accessions of D. rotundata and D. alata.
• Establish efficient regeneration system through somatic embryogenesis.
• Develop Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for D. rotundata and D. alata.
• Generate and analyze transgenic lines of yam.
• Compile progress reports.
• Publish research findings and communicate outcomes.
• Contribute in training of staffs and students working in Plant Transformation Unit.
• Contribute to capacity strengthening of national partners.
• Participate actively in monthly meetings, annual review and planning meetings, resource mobilization, and contribute to strategic research planning.

Educational Qualifications

Core Competencies:

• Strong knowledge and experience in plant tissue culture preferably in somatic embryogenesis.
• Experience in establishing genetic transformation of recalcitrant crops.
• Experience on roots and tuber crops would be an asset.
• Knowledge of gene cloning and construct development.
• Knowledge of molecular characterization and other relevant analysis of transgenic plants.
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish journal articles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

Duty station: IITA-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.

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

Applications: Applications which must include 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: 18th October 2013

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

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.