Banana Breeder (Ref No: DDG-R4D/BB/10/14)

Banana Breeder (Ref No: DDG-R4D/BB/10/14)Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Banana Breeder. 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. IITA seeks a qualified individual to participate as breeder in the new initiative on ‘Improvement of banana for smallholder farmers in the Great Lakes Region of Africa’, operating in Uganda and Tanzania and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Project activities will be carried out through a collaborative research between two CGIAR centers (IITA and Bioversity International), the national programs of Uganda (NARO) and Tanzania (ARI), six universities (University of Malaya, SLU-Sweden, Stellenbosch university-South Africa, Cornell university-USA, KU Leuven university-Belgium, University of Queensland-Australia) and national breeding programs in Brazil (EMBRAPA) and India (NRCB). This initiative is focused on breeding superior Matoke and Mchare highland bananas with consumer acceptability, high level of pest resistance and higher yield. In addition this initiative will accelerate and increase the efficiency of banana breeding through (1) a better and faster identification of prevailing pests and diseases accompanied by accelerated early stage screening of resistance; (2) molecular-based genetic studies for increased understanding of underlying genetics and development of DNA marker-based early selection; (3) better tailoring breeding products and increasing adoption of new cultivars through end-user feedback systems and participatory evaluation of improved banana germplasm; and (4) development of an open-access database and tool box for banana breeders and researchers. The successful candidate will be expected to oversee the banana breeding activities in Tanzania and Uganda, and ensure that outputs are delivered according to an agreed results framework and results tracker. The individual will also assist the current Senior Banana Breeder, Banana Molecular Biologist and Regional Breeding Manager in managing project partnerships on banana breeding. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Senior Banana Breeder and he/she will report to the Regional hub director of Eastern Africa and the Director in charge of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology. Position/Responsibilities The Banana Breeder will undertake the following activities: • Oversee breeding activities in East Africa and ensure that outputs are delivered according to the agreed results framework and results tracker. • Facilitate integration of breeding efforts between the operations in Uganda and Tanzania. • Support highly productive, adapted banana hybrids introgressing desirable traits such as better nutritive content, end user preferences, disease and pest resistance and high yield. • Apply creative approaches for the exploitation of cytogenetics, genomics and next generation sequencing methods. • Facilitate participatory breeding by partners and farmers. • Support PhD and MSc research linked to breeding. • Organize communication and dissemination undertakings, reporting and publish breeding results in international peer reviewed and open access journals. • Support resource mobilization on banana breeding. • Represent the breeding program to external stakeholders. • Support effective partnerships with CGIAR centers, National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems and Advanced Research Institutes. • Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Duty station: Arusha, Tanzania, but will involve extensive travel mainly to Uganda and other East African countries as well as Nigeria, at the IITA HQ. Minimum Qualification & ExperienceThe candidate should have a PhD in plant breeding from a highly recognized university with skills in the use of genetic markers and about 4 years of experience. Core Competencies: • Strong knowledge and experience in plant breeding supported by molecular assisted breeding, preferably in banana and/or a root and tuber crop. • Knowledge of breeding polyploid crops and genomic selection. • Ability to integrate high quality phenotyping with genotyping. • Experience with project activity implementation and monitoring. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Excellent spoken and written English. • Demonstrated ability to write and publish articles in peer reviewed international journals. • Ability to work independently in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-cultural environment. • Willingness to travel extensively within the region. • Research experience in sub-Saharan Africa is an asset. Initial appointment is for three years. It can be renewed on the basis of performance and availability of funds. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

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