Job Vacancies

The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), an autonomous centre in the University of Ghana is a collaborative venture between the University of Ghana and Cornell University, USA with sponsorship from "The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)" for the training of 40 plant breeders from selected countries in the West Africa sub-region over a five year initial period starting in January, 2008. Successful students will be awarded a PhD in Plant Breeding. The WACCI wishes to announce the following vacancies:

Job Title Plant Breeder

Main Responsibilities
* Development and maintenance of the WACCI research farm
* Preparation and assistance in development of student thesis source populations.
* Develop proposals and secure funding for a cereal (maize, sorghum, millet, rice) breeding program.
* Teach first year courses and second year course modules as required.
* Supervise thesis research projects for students working with cereals and other self pollinated crops
* Supervision of senior technician and field assistants

Profile
* A PhD in plant breeding & genetics with 5 years post qualification experience in teaching and/or research
* Research experience in the management of a cereal breeding programme in Africa and a good record of attracting research funds;
* A good publications record;
* Demonstrable strength in biometrical genetics and its application to plant breeding (cereals)
* Good computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets, knowledge of the use of SAS, GENSTAT and other statistical packages in the analysis of plant breeding and agronomic data;
* Good practical skills (e.g. irrigation equipment etc.)

Durations of appointments
All appointments will be WACCI contract appointments in the University of Ghana and will be for an initial period of three (3) years subject to a probationary period of six (6) months, and may be renewed for a further two (2) years.

Conditions of Employment
The WACCI will offer attractive remuneration package dependent on qualifications and experience. WACCI staff will be entitled to annual leave of twenty-one (21) working days.

How to apply
The University of Ghana is an equal opportunity employer. As part of a conscious effort of the University always to reflect this, women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications should comprise:
* A statement of interest and fitness for the position
* An indication of the date of availability to assume duty
* A detailed curriculum vitae describing applicant's professional experience and qualification for position
* Three (3) letters of reference

The application letters and other supporting documents of candidates should be sent in a sealed envelope marked "Application Documents WACCI" by September 30, 2007. (position is still open despite this deadline -admin)

Each of the three reference letters must be sent under separate cover direct from the referee, sealed and marked "Confidential Reference."

Address for correspondence:
WACCI Recruitment
c/o The Ag. Director
Human Resources and Organisational Development Directorate
P.O. Box LG 25
University of Ghana
 Legon