Assistant Scientist – Agronomy at IITA Tanzania

Assist in designing experiments/surveys based on the research outline provided 

• Design,
  implement, manage and monitor research activities including necessary
  protocols, research tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation
• Monitor and manage the strategic collaborations around breeding, agronomy and extension research
• Exchange conceptual ideas with collaborating partners (national/international) and seek feedback
• Coordinate with collaborating partners on their research requirements
• Verify suggested methodologies and establish parameters
• Assist in the identification of support staff and assign tasks/responsibilities
• Ensure availability of services and supplies necessary to deliver research objectives

Manage the implementation of experiments/surveys and other research studies related to breeding and agronomy 

• Provide
  assistance and guidelines/information to scholars and collaborators
  considering the implementation of experiment(s) including the logistics
• Assign,
  monitor and evaluate research activities/tasks performed by
  Researchers, Research Technicians and contract workers, providing
  guidance when necessary, for strengthening outreach programs,
  monitoring, evaluation, action research and experiments
• Maintain smooth conduct of experiment(s) by troubleshooting and fostering a productive teamwork environment
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Consolidate, evaluate and analyze research data 

• Summarize and validate data using appropriate advanced statistical tools independently
• Assist in the interpretation of results
• Assist in drafting conclusions to enable necessary actions or decisions
• Assure maintenance of accurate data recording and update database for efficient storage and retrieval of information

Contribute to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations 

• Help draft project reports, prepare posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences
• Contribute
  to the development of concept notes and projects for funding or
  technical collaborations for research and development jointly with
  relevant IRRI staff
• Develop and contribute towards documentary
  outputs like knowledge products and research document/
  publications/scientific writing/policy briefs, summarizing research
  findings and draft manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals

Coordinate and prepare trainings 

• Draft training
  materials using readily available published information (i.e. protocols,
  methodology) and also in collaboration with the partners
• Prepare necessary supply; identify resource persons; make sure that the logistics are appropriate for defined purpose
• Responsible for the professional development of Research Technicians

People Management 

• Supervise the work of Researchers and/or Research Technicians
• Carry out performance appraisals of Research Technicians
• Responsible for the professional development of Research Technicians
• Supervise or assist students and trainees
• Perform other relevant tasks assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

Key Performance Indicators 

• Successful completion of defined experiment(s) or research studies within given time frame
• Research
  findings and/or data sets from assigned studies are timely delivered,
  efficiently generated and a valuable reference for future studies;
• Database is up-to-date, timely and quality reporting and submission of reports to relevant stakeholders
• Presented (paper or poster) to at least one professional conference each year
• Effective monitoring and guiding field technical staff, partner agencies promptly as and when required.
• Satisfactory
  preparation (material) and set up (supply, venue, logistic) of training
  sessions as reflected in feedback evaluations

Qualifications and experience 

• MSc in Agriculture with minimum 3 years of relevant work experience around breeding, agronomy and agriculture extension
• BSc Agriculture with minimum 5 years of relevant work experience around breeding, agronomy, agriculture extension

Skills and knowledge 

• Mandatory Has proven Technical proficiency in conducting research experiments.
• Has strong oral and written communication skills
• Has strong analytical skills
• Has some experience with Quality assurance
• Has some experience with Research management
• Has good presentation skills
• Has experience on data analysis and relevant statistical tools
• Preferred Working experience in in rice fields Languages
• Excellent English and Swahili oral and written skills

General information:
The
duration of the contract is two years renewable subject to performance
and availability of funds. These are nationally recruited position and
IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

How to Apply:
This is Full-time
Job, The application pack should include an application letter, copies
of certificates, and a curriculum vitae which contains a telephone
number, email address, and contact details of two referees. Applications
should be sent by email to IITA-Tanzania@cgiar.org and addressed to:

Applicants
are requested to include the reference number for the position(as
indicated on the heading of the announcement) in the subject of their
application letter, as well as in the subject of their email. Please
note that any applications without the reference number indicated will
be automatically disqualified.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 02nd October, 2024.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.