Postdoctoral Fellow - Cowpea Physiologist

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Postdoctoral Fellow – Cowpea Physiologist.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s 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

·         Establish efficient field and screen house phenotyping methodologies for heat and drought tolerance in cowpea.

·         Identify cultivated and cross compatible wild cowpea genotypes with drought and heat tolerance.

·         Investigate the physiological basis for drought and heat tolerance and adaptation mechanisms in cowpea.

·         Contribute to the understanding of genetic basis for drought and heat tolerance and identification of associated QTLs.

·         Collaborate with breeders and molecular scientists to link physiological traits with QTLs/markers and advance their deployment in selection schemes.

·         Contribute to resource mobilization and strengthening of NARS partners’ capacity in physiology.

·         Provide guidance and direction to national staff.

·         Publish research results in reputable international journals.

·         Co-supervise research of postgraduate students.

Educational Qualifications

·         The candidate should preferably have a PhD degree in Crop Physiology or related field. The candidate should have experience in Cowpea Research.

Core Competencies

·         Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.

·         Knowledge of advanced statistical tools and database management.

·         Ability to work in an office environment and mostly to conduct field and screen-house work is required.

·         Excellent spoken and written English. Ability to communicate in French is desirable.

·         Excellent interpersonal skills.

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’s 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’s current or previous organization or applicant’s 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.