Career Opportunity at IITA: Senior Research Associate Applications Open Until 30 January 2026
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is inviting applications for the position of Senior Research Associate, a critical research role dedicated to strengthening livestock feed systems, improving productivity, and supporting sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. Based in Ibadan, Oyo State, this on-site position offers a three-year renewable contract and an opportunity to contribute to high-impact, multidisciplinary research at one of Africa’s leading agricultural research institutions. The application closing date is 30 January 2026.
About the Role
The Senior Research Associate will play a central role in designing, implementing, and monitoring innovative research activities focused on feed and forage development. The position supports IITA’s mission to address feed shortages, enhance livestock performance, and improve food security through science-driven solutions.
In this role, the successful candidate will plan and execute feed and forage production trials, including crop-residue processing and the evaluation of improved feed ingredients across priority states in Nigeria. A strong laboratory component is embedded in the role, requiring hands-on involvement in sample preparation, processing, and analysis for nutrient profiling, digestibility testing, and feed safety assessments.
ALSO READ: Geneva Call Is Hiring a Donor Relations Coordinator – Apply Before 15 February 2026
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Research Associate will contribute extensively to animal, poultry, and fish feeding trials, both on-station and on-farm. This includes setting up trials, monitoring animal performance, ensuring strict adherence to protocols, and collecting accurate performance data. Fieldwork will be a major component, with responsibilities spanning forage variety trials, on-farm validations, sampling, and quality assessments.
Data management is another cornerstone of the role. The associate will compile, clean, and manage datasets from field trials, laboratory analyses, and surveys, supporting basic data analysis, dashboards, scientific reports, and communication materials. These outputs will inform research decisions, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue.
Stakeholder coordination is equally important. The role involves working closely with farmers, feed millers, integrators, universities, research institutes, and regulatory authorities. The Senior Research Associate will support experience-sharing visits, technology demonstrations, platform meetings, and training activities that translate research findings into practical solutions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JOB UPDATES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP OR WHATSAPP CHANNEL FOR UPDATES
FOLLOW LinkedIn PAGE OR FACEBOOK PAGE
Project Focus Areas
The position supports several high-priority project components in Nigeria, including:
- Drought-tolerant forage trials in Sahel states
- Scaling biotechnology solutions to convert crop residues into high-quality livestock feed
- Economic and performance testing of fermentation-derived protein (FDP) in poultry and fish systems
- Assessment of mycotoxin contamination and livestock exposure in animal feeds
Beyond research, the associate will provide logistical, operational, and supervisory support, ensuring proper use and maintenance of field, farm, and laboratory equipment, while supervising technicians and casual workers as assigned. Regular reporting is required, including weekly and monthly summaries and quarterly progress reports, as well as contributions to market studies, policy roundtables, and knowledge products.
Qualifications and Competencies
Applicants must hold an MSc in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Feed Science and Technology, Agricultural Biotechnology, or a closely related field, with a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in a well-structured research or development environment.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong hands-on expertise in field experimentation and laboratory techniques, proficiency in data management and analysis tools, and the ability to manage multiple tasks across diverse environments. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and stakeholder engagement abilities are essential, as is a solid understanding of national feed quality and safety standards. The role requires independence, teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership to drive project goals effectively.
Remuneration and Work Environment
IITA offers a highly competitive salary, attractive benefits, and excellent working conditions within a pleasant and well-equipped campus environment. This position provides not only professional growth but also the chance to make a tangible impact on livestock systems and agricultural development in Nigeria.
For experienced professionals passionate about animal nutrition, feed innovation, and applied agricultural research, this Senior Research Associate role at IITA represents a compelling and rewarding career opportunity.
