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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Technician – Yam Pollen Research

Job ID: STS2026-10
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Contract: 6-month renewable contract

Duties

• Field monitoring, pollen collection, and storage
• Regularly monitor designated yam fields and crossing blocks for flowering.
• Identify male plants and flowers at the appropriate developmental stage for pollen collection.
• Collect mature anthers/pollen from designated yam genotypes.
• Conduct pollen collection at the appropriate time of day, including early-morning collection when required.
• Record genotype/accession, species, plot number, date, collection time, location, flower stage, and other required metadata.
• Ensure that all samples are correctly labeled immediately after collection.
• Transport samples from the field to the laboratory under the prescribed conditions.
• Maintain daily records of flowering and pollen availability for designated genotypes.
• Maintain traceability of each sample throughout processing.

Requirements

• National Diploma (ND) or its equivalent, with practical experience in field or laboratory research is required.
• Experience with plant breeding, microscopy, pollen biology, and tissue culture would be an added advantage.

Competencies
The ideal candidate must have:

• Strong attention to detail;
• Good sample-labeling and record-keeping skills;
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures consistently;
• Willingness and ability to work in both field and laboratory environments;
• Basic computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to use, or willingness to learn to use, a light microscope;
• Ability to handle biological samples carefully;
• Basic data-entry and organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently on assigned routine activities while maintaining regular communication with the supervisor;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary.

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

Application Closing Date
15th October, 2026.