We’re seeking professionals who demonstrate:

· A Ph.D. in soil microbiology or a related area with working experience on field agronomy and on-farm experimentation.

· At least 10 years of experience in conducting research on bio-inputs.

· Proven skills and experience in soil microbiology research both in the field and the laboratory.

· Demonstrated a deep sense of knowledge of the mechanistic modes of action and biology of microbes, specifically at the soil-microbiome-plant interaction level.

· Experience in working closely with, or for, regulatory bodies, government agencies, and organizations on biological product testing, registration, and marketing, preferably in Africa.

· Experience with multi-locational on-farm trials, in terms of installation, management, and efficient data collection systems.

· Successful management of staff, finances, and technical aspects of sizeable projects.

As roles become available, shortlisted candidates may be involved in:

• Provide leadership for research on testing and validating bio-inputs, including quality assessment of such products.
  
• Establish and maintain an interdisciplinary research platform for bio-inputs research towards a better understanding of crop-soil/environment interactions for key crops.
  
• Lead the establishment of SOPs for screening the effectiveness of bio-inputs.
  
• Lead the establishment, management, and data collection schemes for on-station and large-scale, multi-locational on-farm trials.
  
• Facilitate the stage-gating processes for advancing promising bio-inputs, supported by statistical evidence and other relevant logic.
  
• Develop research protocols for advancing the inoculation processes of bio-input use.
  
• Pursue and extend effective partnerships and collaborative relationships with researchers from national systems, CGIAR advanced international research institutes.
  
• Provide a facilitatory environment for the mentorship and training of post-graduate students and staff in the area of bio-inputs and soil-microbiome-plant interactions.
  
• Publish results in peer reviewed IF journals and books or book chapters to promote the IITA work.
  
• Effectively manage financial and technical project aspects, in addition to managing and coordinating staff at multiple locations across sites.
  
• Contribute to resource mobilization through cooperative development project proposals.
  
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.