Molecular Breeding Senior Research Associate

About this role

The role is for a senior researcher in molecular breeding at IITA, based in Oyo. It involves leading and conducting data-driven breeding activities, including QTL analysis, marker development, and handling large genotypic and phenotypic datasets. The position supports postgraduate training, coordinates genotyping services, and manages lab operations, procurement, and project delivery for maize and other crops. The employer is a nonprofit agricultural research organisation focusing on food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Africa. The role requires collaboration with international partners and service providers to ensure timely genotyping and data interpretation.

What you would do

• Perform QTL analysis and annotate genomic regions linked to favourable traits.
• Convert high-PIC SNPs into KASP markers for marker panel development.
• Analyse large genotypic and phenotypic datasets using bioinformatics tools.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, manuscripts, and presentation slides.
• Manage data curation into the EBS database and maintain SharePoint inventories.
• Support postgraduate students, interns, and visiting researchers in wet and dry lab techniques.
• Coordinate genotyping services with vendors and ensure timely availability of consumables.
• Develop work plans and cost estimates for genotyping services for partners.
• Lead end-to-end genotyping project management for maize programs and other crops as needed.
• Track GMO contamination and generate related analysis reports for seed shipment and compliance

What they are asking for

• Master of Science (MSc) in Molecular Biology or related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant molecular biology laboratory operations experience.
• Knowledge of diversity analysis, association analysis, linkage mapping, and marker-assisted selection.
• Proficiency with TASSEL, PLINK, RStudio, JoinMap, CodonAligner, and Galaxy.
• Experience coordinating tissue sampling, shipping, data filtering, and analysis.
• Ability to liaise with international genotyping service providers and internal breeding programs.
• Experience in procurement and resource planning for laboratories and screen-houses.
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills for reports and manuscripts.
• Supervisory and capacity-building abilities, including training delivery.
• Strong data curation and database management skills with EBS, Bioflow, and SharePoint

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