Research Associate

Duties

• Assist the cowpea breeder in planning and implementing the Laboratory, screen house, and field experiments. 
• Supervise field research activities across all agroecologies relevant to cowpea production.
• Breeding operations including field preparation and layout, fertilizer application, planting, weed and pest controls, data collection, and harvesting.
• Visit all testing sites as required for effective supervision of trial and nursery management.
• Plan and ensure procurement of inputs for laboratory, screen house, and field trials for all testing sites and hire and pay casual labor for various field operations.
• Supervise handling of germplasm in the breeding nurseries, including planting, hand pollinations, and data collection.
• Assist scientists in keeping pedigree records of breeding materials in various nurseries.
• Supervise seed multiplication of advanced lines, released varieties and candidate lines for release.
• Supervise junior staff, University, Polytechnic, and College of Agriculture students on the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme SIWES), NYSC members, and assist in appraising their performances at the end of the year.
• Assist in collating data, running statistical analysis, conducting literature search and preparing reports.
• Assist graduate students on their research projects as required.
• Assist scientists in maintaining strict control of budget expenditures and casual labor employment. 
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements
Qualification:

• Master’s Degree in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Crop Production or related field with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
• Experience working with farmers and extension agents will be considered an added advantage.

Competencies
The ideal candidate must have:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and be well organized.
• Possession of good computer skills in MS-Office and strong knowledge in experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Ability to work in an office environment and mostly to conduct field work is required.
• Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with both internal stakeholders (within IITA) and external partners, including National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), to support coordination and achievement of organizational objectives.
• Working knowledge of Hausa and French is considered an advantage.
• Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Be able to follow protocols/instructions, troubleshoot, and train subordinates.

Application Closing Date
12th June, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

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