Post-Doctoral Fellow - Nematology Soil Health

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Nematology Soil Health-Post-Doctoral Fellow.

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. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The Nematology Soil Health-Post-Doctoral Fellow will generate high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and datasets, while contributing to ongoing research projects within the Nematology Unit. The Fellow is expected to develop independent scientific contributions aligned with project objectives and strengthen research capacity through mentorship and collaboration. Specifically, the Fellow will be engaged in ongoing research projects focused on nematode management and soil health enhancement using novel techniques, efficacy screening exercises, farmer participation and awareness creation

Overall, the Post-Doctoral Fellow will contribute to research on soil health and nematode management through the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of scientific studies.

Position Responsibilities

A.     Research Design and Scientific Contribution

• Contribute to the design and planning of laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments. 
• Develop and refine methodologies for soil health and nematode assessment. 
• Provide scientific and analytical input to research activities and experimental protocols. 

B.      Research Implementation

• Participate in the implementation of field and laboratory studies. 
• Ensure adherence to established scientific protocols and data quality standards. 
• Support data collection and validation across research sites

C.      Data Analysis and Knowledge Generation

• Conduct statistical analyses and interpretation of nematode and soil health data using appropriate analytical tools. 
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Develop technical reports and other scientific outputs arising from research activities. 

D.     Research Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Collaborate with research partners and multidisciplinary teams in implementing project activities. 
• Provide scientific mentorship to postgraduate students and junior researchers where appropriate. 
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and scientific communications

E.      Scientific Dissemination

• Present research findings at scientific meetings, workshops, and conferences. 
• Contribute to technical briefs and other knowledge products relevant to the research programme. 
• Support dissemination of research outputs to stakeholders and collaborators.

F.       Any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should possess a Ph.D. in Nematology, Soil Health, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience in field and screen house experimentation, data collection, consolidation and analysis, scientific report writing, and team management is required. Experience in managing research activities and contributing to multidisciplinary projects will be an added advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Plant Nematology and Soil Health principles.
• Proven ability in data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent scientific writing and reporting skills.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.

Benefits

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of 16 months. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.

Applications: Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and 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 Director of People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link: Workable Referrals

Closing Date: 26 August 2026

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.

While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.