Post Doctoral Fellow (Food Science/Technology) Ref: DDG-R4D/PDF/FTS/02/14
Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Post Doctoral Fellow (Food Science/Technology).
IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical nations. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.
IITA seeks a qualified person for the position of Post Doctoral Fellow in Zambia to conduct research in Food Science.
Position/Responsibilities
The primary responsibility will be to conduct research on crop quality characteristics of root and tuber crops and legumes; processing and food product development
Specific responsibilities will be:
· Conduct research on and functional properties of cassava, cowpeas, and soybeans as needed in collaboration with breeders.
· Supervise crop utilization lab once established, including various laboratory equipment, standard analyses, and technical staff. This laboratory will be used to conduct studies on physicochemical and functional properties characterization of target crops, processing, product development and sensory and consumer testing as needed.
· Contribute to timely publications and communications of IITA R4D research results, outcomes, and impacts.
· Provide technical backstopping to national agricultural research institutes, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations conducting activities on crop quality, processing, utilization, and product development.
· Contribute to proposal development and project implementation on processing, food product development, food safety, nutrition and other relevant R4D areas.
· Contribute to capacity building on processing, food product development, food safety, nutrition and other relevant R4D areas
Educational Qualifications
The candidate must have a PhD in Food Science or Food Technology.
Core Competencies:
· Knowledge and skill in food science or food technology.
· Knowledge in use of laboratory equipment.
· Demonstrated ability to write and publish journal articles.
· Ability to work under minimal supervision in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
· Excellent spoken and written English.
· Working knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Southern Africa.
Duty station: IITA Zambia, Lusaka.
General information: The appointment is for two years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application
Closing Date: 26 March 2014 or until a suitable candidate has been identified.
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.