Postdoctoral Fellow - Cowpea Plant Breeding and Genetics

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

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, preserve natural resource integrity, and enhance system resilience to biotic and abiotic threats and climate change to enable agriculture transformation in sub-Saharan Africa. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for food, nutrition, and income-secure future for all.

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.), is an essential grain legume cultivated in the tropics and serves as a vital protein source in the diets of millions. Various abiotic and biotic stresses negatively impact its yields. The IITA Cowpea Breeding Program is making significant efforts to overcome these production challenges by developing and distributing breakthrough cowpea varieties. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to the regional breeding network by applying modern breeding innovations.

Position Key Responsibilities:

· Support and contribute to the development of cowpea breakthrough products.

· Actively participate in developing new cowpea varieties according to the Target Product Profiles prioritized for West and Central Africa.

· Analyze field data using mixed models and quantitative genetics approaches

· Participate in national and regional advancement meetings

· Join the accelerated cowpea breeding program using modern breeding tools and methods.

· Contribute to trait discovery and deployment in the cowpea breeding program by establishing improved trait phenotyping.

· Coordinate key activities in the West and Central Africa Cowpea Improvement Network, including regional coordinated trials and TRICOT trials.

· Support resource mobilization efforts on cowpea breeding research

· Provide guidance and direction to national staff.

· Publish research results in reputable international journals.

· Co-supervise research activities of postgraduate students.

· Carry out additional duties as may be assigned by the cowpea research team lead.

Requirements:
Educational Qualifications and Experience

The candidate must hold a PhD in Crop Breeding and Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, or a related field.

Core Competencies

· Experience in Cowpea research.

· Good understanding of quantitative genetics, inheritance, and trait architecture.

· Knowledge of breeding methods (pedigree, backcrossing, recurrent selection).

· Ability to manage large breeding populations and field operations.

· Knowledge of experimental designs, advanced statistical tools, and database management.

· Strong skills in statistical analysis (mixed models, BLUPs/BLUEs), Quantitative genetics and molecular marker analysis.

· Ability to publish high-quality articles in international peer-reviewed journals.

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

· Excellent spoken and written English; proficiency in French is a plus.

· Strong interpersonal skills.

· Experience in precision breeding is a valuable advantage.

Benefits:
Duty Station: Kano, Nigeria

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of two years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. 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: 4th May, 2026

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.