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

IITA is looking for a suitably qualified person to fill the following positions to support the IITA banana project that will be based at the IITA Office at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NMAIST) in Kijenge, Arusha.

REF: IITA-TZ18-R4D-002-NRS-AR

 
Position: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Technician will perform the following duties among others:

• Sampling suckers and shoot tips of banana plants
• In vitro multiplication and regeneration of banana plants
• Embryo rescue and germination of embryos/ seeds
• Prepare in-vitro media (stock solutions and working media)
• Chromosome doubling of diploid banana varietiesTransplant in vitro plants into the nursery and maintain the nursery
• Process imported plant material
• Maintain excellent lab and nursery records
• Be responsible for the maintenance of lab equipment
• Keep the laboratory operations aseptically clean
• Stock control by tracking the use of the lab consumables and supplies
• Assist the field assistant in planting in-vitro plants
• Report findings orally and in writing
• Other official duties as assigned by the banana breeder

Required Qualifications / Experience

• The candidate should have a BSc in Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Agriculture or related field.
• Preferably work experience in agricultural sciences or other research environments
• Familiarity with general laboratory working procedures
• Flexibility, reliability, honesty, and independence
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• The ability to work independently and as a team member

General information:

The initial period for this position is one and half years with a possibility of renewal. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Country Representative. IITA- Tanzania. Plot No. 25. Mwenge – Coca-Cola Road. Mikocheni Industrial Area PO. Box 34441. Dar es Salaam. Tanzania or by email to IITA-Tanzania@cgiar.org
Applicants are requested to please indicate the reference number for the position as indicated on the heading of the announcement in your application as well as on the subject of your email if sending by email, if sending by post or hand delivery, please indicate the reference number on your application as well as on the left hand side of your envelope. Please note that any applications without the reference number indicated will be automatically disqualified.

Closing date: Two weeks from the date of advertisement appearing in the newspaper. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.