Research Operations Manager

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigeria nationals for the position below at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.

Position:    Research Operations Manager

Contract:   1-year renewable contract                                    Location: Ibadan

Closing Date: 28 April 2026

DUTIES:

 Laboratory Operations and Systems Management

• Design, implement, and enforce laboratory-wide operational systems, including SOPs, workflow tracking, and service delivery standards.
• Lead laboratory transition and infrastructure readiness, ensuring zero disruption to services.
• Establish and maintain ISO 17025-aligned processes, documentation, and quality control systems.

Inventory and Resource Management

• Implement and oversee a digital inventory management system with real-time tracking.
• Define and enforce reorder thresholds and stock control protocols.
• Conduct weekly inventory audits and ensure alignment with planned analyses.

Team Coordination and Accountability

• Define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations across laboratory functions.
• Implement a centralized task-tracking system with full visibility of workflows.
• Lead structured weekly planning and performance review meetings.
• Enforce accountability through system-based performance tracking.

Equipment and Asset Management

• Maintain a comprehensive equipment register, including lifecycle and replacement plans.
• Track equipment usage, downtime, and maintenance schedules.
• Ensure routine calibration and preventive maintenance aligned with quality standards.

Financial Management and Cost Recovery

• Establish and maintain cost-per-analysis models across all laboratory services.
• Integrate sample tracking, analysis, and invoicing into a single traceable workflow.
• Monitor monthly financial performance, including revenue, costs, and deficit trends.
• Provide recommendations on pricing, cost optimization, and service prioritization.

Client Service and Laboratory Credibility

• Define and enforce realistic turnaround times for all analyses.

• Establish standardized client communication protocols.
• Monitor client satisfaction and implement service improvements.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Track and report on key performance indicators:

• Turnaround time
• On-time delivery rate
• Equipment uptime
• Cost per analysis
• Revenue and deficit trends
• Use performance data to inform operational improvements.

Scientific Contribution and Knowledge Generation

• Provide technical input into experimental design and data interpretation.
• Support development of publications, reports, and scientific outputs.

Training, Mentorship, and Capacity Development

• Supervise and mentor interns, students, and junior staff.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, safety, and quality standards.

QUALIFICATION:

MSc in Food Science, Nutrition, Analytical Chemistry, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or any other related field with demonstrated laboratory experience with a minimum eight (8) years’ of relevant experience in laboratory operations, including systems management and team supervision.  Additional training in laboratory management, operations, or quality systems. ISO 17025, IPAN certification, Laboratory Quality Management, Project Management certification, CGIAR or international agricultural research systems are added advantage.

COMPETENCIES:

The ideal candidate must have:

• Laboratory systems design and operational management.
• Financial and cost recovery analysis.
• Inventory and workflow management.
• Leadership and team coordination.
• Quality assurance and compliance (ISO-aligned).
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Strong stakeholder communication.

We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.