The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Postdoctoral Fellow \u2013 Cowpea Physiologist.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa\u2019s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.
The purpose of the position is to provide physiological knowledge support to cowpea breeders. The position requires both internal (within IITA) and external (with NARS partners) interactions. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to developing climate-resilient cowpea varieties.
Position Responsibilities
\u00b7 Establish efficient field and screen house phenotyping methodologies for heat and drought tolerance in cowpea.
\u00b7 Identify cultivated and cross compatible wild cowpea genotypes with drought and heat tolerance.
\u00b7 Investigate the physiological basis for drought and heat tolerance and adaptation mechanisms in cowpea.
\u00b7 Contribute to the understanding of genetic basis for drought and heat tolerance and identification of associated QTLs.
\u00b7 Collaborate with breeders and molecular scientists to link physiological traits with QTLs/markers and advance their deployment in selection schemes.
\u00b7 Contribute to resource mobilization and strengthening of NARS partners\u2019 capacity in physiology.
\u00b7 Provide guidance and direction to national staff.
\u00b7 Publish research results in reputable international journals.
\u00b7 Co-supervise research of postgraduate students.
Requirements
Educational Qualifications
\u00b7 The candidate should preferably have a PhD degree in Crop Physiology or related field. The candidate should have experience in Cowpea Research.
Core Competencies
\u00b7 Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
\u00b7 Knowledge of advanced statistical tools and database management.
\u00b7 Ability to work in an office environment and mostly to conduct field and screen-house work is required.
\u00b7 Excellent spoken and written English. Ability to communicate in French is desirable.
\u00b7 Excellent interpersonal skills.
Benefits
Duty Station: Kano, Nigeria
General information: The contract will be for an initial period of one year. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.
Applications: Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate\u2019s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant\u2019s current or previous organization or applicant\u2019s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Director, People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs
Closing Date: 16th July, 2025
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.