Research Associate I – Yam

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Assistant on behalf of The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to provide technical support for yam transformation and tissue culture activities.

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

IITA is a non-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, IITA improves livelihoods, enhances food and nutrition security, increases employment, and preserves natural resource integrity. For more information, please visit https://www.iita.org/about/

• →Prepare the required plant culture media for Yam transformation and tissue culture.
• →Assist in maintaining and multiplication of Yam accessions.
• →Assist in Agrobacterium-mediated transformations for yam.
• →Focus on the regeneration of DNA-free events in yam
• →Provide assistance in potting and weaning of the transgenic plants in the glasshouse and regular watering.
• →Maintain, multiply, and regularly subculture in vitro Yam cultures.
• →Collect, analyze, and compile data for progress reports.
• →Maintain meticulous records of consumables, glassware, and equipment within the plant tissue culture and transformation laboratory.
• →Undertake any additional tasks or responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.

The ideal candidate should hold:

• Diploma in Agriculture or related area with 2 years of relevant work experience
• Basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or other software
• Experience in plant tissue culture
• Understanding of health and safety in the workplace and good working practices
• Good oral and written communication skills

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

This position is at job level HG10 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals.

The position is a 1 Year 3 Months fixed term contract. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

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