Job Description
DUTIES:
- Generate calibration data for rapid, non-destructive estimation of dry matter and starch content using IoT devices developed under the NESTLER project.
- Develop statistical models to relate laboratory measurements with instrument measurements preferable using machine-learning approaches.
- Deploy IoT devices in breeding trials, cassava processors and farms to scale the technology and generate field-based validation data.
- Support implementation of pilot experiments involving deployment of weather and soil sensing stations at strategic locations in IITA cassava field trials in Nigeria. Specific activities related to this are:
- Sensing Station Setup to measure key environmental parameters relevant to cassava cultivation (rainfall, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and soil moisture content).
- Automate data collection through use of mobile network to enable a time-series dataset for analysis.
- Integrating farm-level data from the research farms, such as planting methods, fertilizer usage, pest and disease management, and other relevant factors that may impact cassava yield.
- Data analysis and model development using statistical analysis techniques and machine learning algorithms to identify patterns, correlations, and interactions between the environmental variables and cassava yield.
- Model validation and iterative improvement to assess its accuracy and reliability.
- Contribute to other project activities including preparing reports, participation in project meetings, preparing communication materials.
- Perform any other job-related task as may be assigned by the Supervisors.
Requirements
QUALIFICATION:
BSc/HND in Plant Breeding, Agronomy or any other related field with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
COMPETENCIES:
The ideal candidate must:
- Be experienced in the use of statistical analysis techniques and database software.
- Be experienced in data analysis and interpretation.
- Be experienced in report writing.