Research Associate I – Yam

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is a global research organization dedicated to improving lives and the planet through livestock science, focusing on sustainable livestock solutions and informing policy. It is a member of CGIAR. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit institution generating agricultural innovations to address hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation in Africa.

This role involves supporting the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in its mission to generate agricultural innovations for Africa. The successful candidate will contribute to efforts aimed at addressing hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation by focusing on yam transformation and tissue culture. The position is a 1 year and 3 months fixed-term contract, open to Kenyan nationals, and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

1. Prepare plant culture media for yam transformation and tissue culture.
2. Assist in maintaining and multiplying yam accessions.
3. Support Agrobacterium-mediated transformations for yam.
4. Focus on regenerating DNA-free events in yam.
5. Provide assistance with potting and weaning transgenic plants in the glasshouse, including regular watering.
6. Maintain, multiply, and regularly subculture in vitro yam cultures.
7. Collect, analyze, and compile data for progress reports.
8. Maintain detailed records of consumables, glassware, and equipment in the plant tissue culture and transformation laboratory.
9. Perform any additional tasks assigned by supervisors.

1. Hold a Diploma in Agriculture or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
2. Possess basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or similar software.
3. Have experience in plant tissue culture.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace health and safety and good working practices.
5. Exhibit good oral and written communication skills.