Laboratory Technician – Yam and Bambara groundnut

ILRI is an international organization dedicated to improving lives and the planet through livestock science, focusing on equitable and resilient livestock systems in low- and middle-income countries. This role supports the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), a non-profit institution generating agricultural innovations to address hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation in Africa.

This role, based at ILRI but supporting IITA, involves a Laboratory Technician specializing in Yam and Bambara groundnut. The primary responsibility is to contribute to plant biotechnology and crop improvement research by preparing, establishing, maintaining, and regenerating in vitro cultures of these crops. The technician will perform various plant tissue culture activities, such as preparing media, sterilizing explants, initiating and multiplying cultures, and assisting with transformation, regeneration, greenhouse acclimatization, and maintaining regenerated plants, all while adhering to strict laboratory protocols and quality standards.

1. Prepare plant tissue culture media for Yam and Bambara groundnut transformation and regeneration experiments.
2. Conduct seed sterilization, explant preparation, and culture initiation according to established protocols.
3. Maintain, multiply, and perform regular subculturing of in vitro Yam and Bambara groundnut cultures.
4. Assist with the regeneration, transformation, potting, and ongoing maintenance of regenerated plants within the greenhouse environment.

1. Possess a Diploma in Agriculture with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.
2. Demonstrate basic proficiency in MS Office applications such as Word and Excel, or similar software.
3. Have practical experience in Bambara groundnut tissue culture techniques.
4. Exhibit a strong understanding of workplace health and safety regulations and best practices.
5. Possess effective oral and written communication abilities.