Senior Germplasm Health Officer (Seed Health)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian nationals for the positions below at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan:

Position: Senior Germplasm Health Officer (Seed Health)

Closing Date: 17 August 2026

Contract: 3-years renewable contract

Location: Ibadan

DUTIES:

A. Coordinate regulatory permit requests

1. Coordinate phytosanitary documentation with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), including import permits, phytosanitary certificates, and pre-/post-entry inspections, to facilitate the safe exchange of germplasm.

2. Serve as the focal liaison between internal clients, quarantine authorities, and regulatory agencies on plant quarantine matters.

3. Conduct phytosanitary inspections and certify planting materials for national and international movement to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated pests and diseases.

B. Seed Health Testing

1. Conduct field, screenhouse, and laboratory inspections to monitor pest and disease incidence and assess plant health.

2. Perform seed health testing, quality assessment, cleaning, and certification to support germplasm distribution and Genebank conservation.

3. Collect and process clonal samples for health assessment, pathogen indexing, and diagnostic testing.

4. Develop, validate, and implement laboratory protocols and diagnostic methods, including morphometric analysis using advanced imaging technologies (e.g., VideometerLab).

5. Maintain pathogen culture collections and ensure proper long- and medium-term storage, viability, and documentation.

6. Plan and conduct laboratory and screenhouse experiments to support plant health research and diagnostics.

C. Data, Records & Reporting

1. Maintain accurate records and databases for import/export permits, post-entry quarantine, seed health testing, and laboratory activities.

2. Prepare technical reports, certification records, and periodic summaries of laboratory and quarantine activities.

3. Coordinate service cost tracking, chargeback processes, and budget allocation for quarantine and seed health services.

D. Laboratory Operations & Training Support

1. Supervise laboratory personnel, interns, NYSC members, and industrial trainees, ensuring compliance with laboratory quality, biosafety, and operational standards.

2. Support laboratory operations, equipment management, and service continuity, including acting for the Laboratory Manager or Unit Head when required.

E. Other

1. Perform any other duties assigned by the Unit Head or Program Manager in support of plant health, quarantine, and germplasm health activities.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION

Master's degree in Pathology, Microbiology, Plant Science, Biotechnology, or a related discipline with a minimum of four (4) years of experience in seed health and phytosanitation of germplasm. Training in Quality Management Systems (QMS) and a basic understanding of data security principles is an additional advantage.

COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate must have:

1.     Proven expertise in seed health testing for clonal and seed crops, including culturing techniques, microscopy, and molecular diagnostics.

2.     Good knowledge of regulations and procedures of National Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs).

3.     Experience in seed treatment of clonal and seed crops, including selection of planting materials, chemical treatment, and packaging.

4.     Understanding of CGIAR Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) functions and operations.

5.     Ability to manage research service requests and effectively engage with internal clients and external regulatory bodies.

6.     Knowledge of regulatory permit requirements for the import and export of germplasm and the ability to ensure compliance.

7.     Strong data management, analysis, and report-writing skills.

8.     Demonstrated experience in seed health assessment of IITA mandate crops, including banana, cassava, cowpea, soybean, maize, and yam.

Benefits

REMUNERATION

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

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format to IITA website: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs no later than Two Weeks from the date of this publication.

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