Research Associate III - Plant Disease Management at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Associate III - Plant Disease Management on behalf of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to Plan the implementation of experiment(s), survey(s) and other research studies related to the plant disease management and conduct them as specified / defined in the research outline

Purpose

• Help in generating data for distribution maps of plant diseases and responses of varieties being used by farmers in selected countries.
• Help develop and deploy extension material, tools and models to highlight the importance of prevailing rice diseases and their management
• Help increase awareness about plant diseases and its management options available at the moment through interaction with scientist, private sector and high-level officials, to pave the way for any policy adjustments or licensing
• Coordinate with collaborators on their research activities as required
• Plan the support/manpower needed and set up work schedule
• Prepare the material and equipment needed based on research outline provided
• Assist in applying methods/techniques that guarantee the success of the experiments

Engagement

• Oversee the work of research technician and/or contract workers to ensure that research activities are implemented according to plan and specific standards
• Coordinate with collaborating OUs the timely supply of material needed
• Contribute to the preservation of research areas and direct the maintenance of technical equipment (repair and replacement)

Delivery

• Collect and process data to its required form
• Identify inconsistencies in the data collection and/or missing information
• Carry out graphical and basic statistical data analysis
• Update database for storage and retrieval of information/data
• Provide appropriate data and information about experiment(s)
• Contribute to manuscripts/write —ups for annual reports and publications in referred journals as well as presentation/posters for national and international conference
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Requirements

• Bachelor in Agricultural Science or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in plant pathology, preferable skills in rice
• Bacterial blight and its risks and management, including host plant resistance, and extension to farmers on disease management, basic understanding of molecular tools used in breeding
• Familiar with research methodologies in plant pathology related extension
• Proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments preferably in the field
• Strong analytical skills
• Basic understanding of genomic tools including MAB, genomic selection, and gene editing
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa