West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) for Root and Tuber Crops

Call for Application
Empowering smallholder farmers and appropriate stakeholders to better manage virus diseases of root crops is a crucial step in ensuring food security in West Africa. The West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) for root and tuber crops project is aimed at addressing virus diseases that infect root crops which are the preferred carbohydrate foods for more than 800 million people in Africa. Running concurrently in six West African countries (Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, WAVE is currently working towards understanding the current status of cassava viruses, their vectors and their alternative hosts with a view to improving available diagnostic tools and improving crop productivity.
Covenant University is a private Christian Mission University committed to raising a new generation of Leaders. Our mission is to produce graduates who will be mentally resourceful, intellectually equipped, entrepreneurially self-dependent, futuristically visionary and responsibility sensitive. As a research based institution, Covenant University boasts of state-of-the-art facilities and is blessed with distinguished faculty. Our research laboratories rank among the best globally. Furthermore, the University’s serene and green environment makes research and learning a pleasurable experience.

WAVE Nigeria 1, situated in Covenant University seeks highly motivated individuals to contribute in the following capacity, towards ensuring food security in Africa.


Research Assistant

Job Description

Engage in farmers field surveys and sample collection in South Western and/or North Central States of Nigeria. Ensure implementation of planned activities in different locations.
Ensure adequate processing and storage of collected samples.
Ensure implementation of planned activities in different locations.
Engage in laboratory analysis of field samples.
Maintain virus source materials in the screen house.
Ensure general maintenance of the virology laboratory.
Oversee the activities of IT students
Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Team Leader.
Qualification

BSc or HND in Agriculture or any of the Biological Sciences.
Field and molecular plant virology experience.
Field/Screen-house Assistant

Participate in farmers field surveys and sample collection in South Western and/or North Central States of Nigeria.
Participate in processing and storage of collected samples.
Participate in laboratory processing of field samples.
Ensure general maintenance of the screen house.
Driving staff to field sites.
Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualification

OND in Agriculture or any of the biological Sciences.
Previous field experience with working with farmers.
Valid driving license.
General Information
All positions are 3 year contract. The contract will be for an initial period of three years with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding.
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae to wave@cu.edu.ng. The application should include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work.

Closing date: April 24, 2015

Who cares