Request for Expression of Interest - Individual Consultant

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI): Recruitment of an Individual ConsultantThe International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is seeking to engage the services of an Individual Consultant to support the production and characterization of polyclonal antibodies for the detection of Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus (CYMV).The purpose of this assignment is to support the effort to strengthen virus diagnostics and plant health management. The consultant will contribute to the development of high-quality diagnostic tools, enhance the capacity of laboratory staff, and support the standardization of ELISA-based methods for virus detection. The Consultant will also be involved in comparative analysis of diagnostic sensitivity using DAC-ELISA and RT-PCR, ensuring robust and reliable detection protocols for CYMV in cowpea production systems in alignment with the project's overall goals and donor requirements.In line with this, we invite suitably qualified and experienced individuals to express their interest in providing the required services.Scope Of Work / Key ResponsibilitiesThe consultant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:Conduct the purification of Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus (CYMV) to obtain high-quality antigen for booster immunization of rabbitsPerform weekly bleeds from CYMV-immunized rabbits to extract polyclonal antiserumEvaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the extracted polyclonal antiserum using Direct Antigen Coating ELISA (DAC-ELISA)Conduct comparative analysis of virus detection sensitivity between DAC-ELISA and RT-PCR methodsPrepare antiserum stocks in glycerol for safe and long-term preservationProvide continuous training to Virology and Molecular Diagnostics (VMD) Unit staff on polyclonal antibody production techniquesPrepare and submit progress reports detailing activities, results, and recommendationsPerform any other job-related tasks as may be assigned by the SupervisorRequirementsRequired Qualifications and ExperienceAdvanced degree in relevant field - e.g., Plant Virology, Molecular Biology, biochemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology or related disciplineMinimum of Seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in isolating plant viruses and preparing antigens for immunization with expertise in extracting and purifying antiserum in Agricultural ResearchDemonstrated expertise & proficiency in Direct Antigen Coating ELISA (DAC-ELISA) and RT-PCR. Ability to compare and validate diagnostic methods for virus detectionPrevious experience working with international organizations, donor-funded projects, or research institutions will be an added advantage. Duration and Location of the AssignmentThe consultancy is expected to last for a period of Two (2) months.Application ProcedureInterested individuals are invited to submit the following documents in response to this EOI:A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications and experienceA brief technical statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining understanding of the assignment and proposed approach to achieving the deliverablesFinancial proposal indicating the consultant's expected professional fees