Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Biotechnological Innovations for Red Palm Weevil

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Biotechnological Innovations for Red Palm Weevil Control.

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 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), as part of the Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC) - a global, multi-institutional program led by ICARDA- is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to innovative, science-driven solutions against the Red Palm Weevil (RPW). RPW (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), one of the most destructive invasive pests worldwide, poses a grave threat to date, coconut, and oil palm cultivation. Since the 1980s, it has caused catastrophic economic losses, degraded ecosystems, and undermined the livelihoods of farming communities across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. With its rapidspread into Sub-Saharan Africa and its adaptability to multiple palm species, RPW jeopardizes food security, biodiversity, and industries valued at over $20-30 billion globally.

This postdoctoral position offers an opportunity to advance cutting-edge biotechnological innovations, such as RNA interference (RNAi) and gene editing, that will contribute to scalable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solutions to protect palms, rural livelihoods, and ecosystems.

Position Responsibilities

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will be responsible for developing and executing biotechnological strategies, including RNAi and gene editing for controlling RPW, working closely with internal research teams, external partners, and stakeholders within the C4RPWC program. The successful candidate will report to the Lead of the Biotechnology Program at IITA. The tasks will include:

· Design, conduct, and optimize laboratory and field experiments on RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest control strategies, including both direct applications (e.g., dsRNA nanoparticles, injections) and plant-expressed dsRNA systems.

· Develop a transformation and gene editing system for date palm, African palm, and sugarcane.

· Generate gene-edited events with enhanced resistance against RPW infestations.

· Develop and validate molecular and genomic tools for monitoring efficacy, insect resistance, and environmental safety.

· Collect, analyse, and interpret molecular, genetic, and ecological data related to RPW control interventions.

· Conduct bioinformatic analyses of RPW genomes, transcriptomes, and gene targets relevant to RNAi and gene editing.

· Collaborate with international, multi-disciplinary teams across C4RPWC partner institutions.

· Provide technical guidance and training to graduate students, technicians, and national program partners in molecular entomology and biotechnology.

· Contribute to building local capacity for biotechnology-based pest management in partner countries.

· Support the coordination and monitoring of IITA’s contributions to the RPW control program.

· Prepare high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications and technical briefs.

· Prepare progress reports, presentations, and knowledge-sharing materials for donors, partners, and stakeholders.

· Engage in outreach and science communication to demonstrate program impact on livelihoods, ecosystems, and sustainable pest management.

· Explore novel delivery platforms for biotechnological control agents with emphasis on scalability and field applicability.

· Coordinate the regulatory compliance and stewardship for the project.

· Support the development of grant proposals to secure funding for further research in gene editing and manage research projects effectively.

· Actively participate in monthly meetings, annual reviews, and planning meetings and contribute to strategic research planning.

· Host visitors, donors, and collaborators, providing lab tours and discussing the project’s progress.

· Adhere to institutional policies and perform additional tasks as required.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field with a focus on gene editing technologies. Experience in plant molecular biology, plant engineering, or plant biotechnology, with demonstrated experience in gene editing and RNAi.

Core Competencies

· Research Excellence:

· Deep understanding of RNAi and gene editing and their application in crop improvement.

· Proficiency in molecular techniques, including vector design, cloning, PCR, and sequencing.

· Strong experience in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation.

· Excellent data analysis and bioinformatics skills.

· Innovation: Ability to develop novel approaches to genetic engineering and problem-solving.

· Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

· Communication: Skilled in disseminating research outcomes to scientific audiences.

· Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage the project.

· Writing Skills: Proven track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of two years. 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, People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs

Closing Date: 10th October 2025

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.