RESEARCH ASSOCIATE- LAB SUPPORT & RESEARCH AT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IITA) | RESEARCH JOBS IN OYO

About Company:

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.

Job Description:

Sample Management and Traceability:

• Receive, verify label, and log all incoming samples from breeding programs against submission records and metadata.
• Assign unique sample identifiers using approved naming conventions and maintain chain-of- custody documentation.
• Manage and update the sample tracking system and laboratory dashboard to monitor sample status and analytical progress.
• Ensure appropriate sample storage conditions (fresh, frozen, freeze-dried) in line with SOPs.

Laboratory Analyses and Protocol Implementation:

• Conduct biochemical, physicochemical, and functional analyses for cassava, yam and plantain/banana product profiles (e.g., dry matter, color, texture, swelling index, solubility).
• Perform instrumental texture analysis (e.g., Texture Profile Analysis, penetrometry, extensibility) and related measurements.
• Execute all analyses strictly according to approved RTBfoods/lITA SOPs; document deviations and propose improvements where necessary.
• Ensure equipment readiness, basic calibration checks, and proper use of laboratory instruments.

Sensory Evaluation and Panel Coordination:

• Recruit, train, and coordinate sensory panellists for Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) and consumer preference testing.
• Organize and conduct sensory evaluation sessions for cassava (gari/eba), yam (boiled/pounded), and plantain (boiled/fried).
• Monitor panel performance, ensure adherence to protocols, and document sensory outputs.
• Support integration of sensory data with instrumental and biochemical datasets.

Sample Preparation and External Shipment:

• Prepare fresh and processed samples for freeze-drying, storage, and shipment.
• Coordinate packaging and documentation for shipment of samples to partner laboratories (e.g., RHUL for metabolomics, CIRAD for aroma analysis).
• Maintain shipment logs and confirm receipt of samples by partner institutions.

Data Management, Reporting, and Coordination:

• Compile, clean, and validate analytical and sensory data, ensuring consistency with sample IDs and metadata.
• Maintain organized, auditable datasets suitable for statistical analysis and reporting.
• Contribute to work planning, scheduling, and preparation of progress reports.
  Liaise with breeding teams to obtain complete metadata, confirm harvest schedules, and ensure timely sample transfer.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate must:

• Have technical knowledge and strong understanding of food quality analysis and laboratory procedures.
• Have ability to manage, clean, and organize datasets.
• Have high accuracy in sample handling and documentation.
• Have ability to coordinate across teams (breeding, lab, and partners.
• Have strong planning and time management skills.
• Have ability troubleshoot laboratory and operational issues.
• Have ability to work effectively within laboratory and project teams.
• Have experience with data visualization tools and QA/QC systems.
• Have experience working in multidisciplinary projects, managing multiple workflows simultaneously, experience in risk assessment and in international research collaborations.

Qualifications and Skills:

• BSC/HND in Food Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Agricultural Science, or any other related field, with a minimum of six (6) years’ or MSc with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well structured environment.
• Training in sensory analysis, laboratory quality systems, or ISO standards is required.
• Experience in supporting sensory studies or panel coordination, experience handling laboratory datasets and reporting are added advantage.

Salary

Application Closing Date: 28th April, 2026

Application Instructions:

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