Request for Expression of Interest - Individual Consultant

IITA; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading agricultural research institute in France seeks an Individual Consultant to support the production and characterization of polyclonal antibodies for Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus detection. You will conduct virus purification, antibody extraction, and collaborate on enhancing diagnostic capacity over a duration of two months. Ideal candidates have an advanced degree and at least seven years of relevant experience. The position is temporary and primarily on-site.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience isolating plant viruses and preparing antigens.
• Experience in extracting and purifying antiserum in agricultural research.
• demonstrated experience with international organizations or donor-funded projects.

Responsabilités

• Conduct purification of Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus for immunization.
• Perform weekly bleeds from CYMV-immunized rabbits.
• Evaluate sensitivity/specificity of polyclonal antiserum using DAC-ELISA.
• Prepare and submit progress reports on activities and results.

Connaissances

Expertise in Direct Antigen Coating ELISA (DAC-ELISA)

Proficiency in RT-PCR

Ability to validate diagnostic methods

Formation

Advanced degree in Plant Virology, Molecular Biology or related discipline

Outils

Laboratory equipment for virus diagnostics

Description du poste

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) : Recruitment of an Individual Consultant

The 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 Responsibilities

• Conduct the purification of Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus (CYMV) to obtain high-quality antigen for booster immunization of rabbits.
• Perform weekly bleeds from CYMV-immunized rabbits to extract polyclonal antiserum.
• Evaluate 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 methods.
• Prepare antiserum stocks in glycerol for safe and long-term preservation.
• Provide continuous training to Virology and Molecular Diagnostics (VMD) Unit staff on polyclonal antibody production techniques.
• Prepare and submit progress reports detailing activities, results, and recommendations.
• Perform any other job-related tasks as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in relevant field – e.g., Plant Virology, Molecular Biology, biochemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• Minimum 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 Research.
• Demonstrated expertise & proficiency in Direct Antigen Coating ELISA (DAC-ELISA) and RT-PCR.
• Ability to compare and validate diagnostic methods for virus detection.
• Previous experience working with international organizations, donor-funded projects, or research institutions will be an added advantage.

Duration and Location of the Assignment

The consultancy is expected to last for a period of Two (2) months.

Application Procedure

Interested individuals are invited to submit the following documents in response to this EOI :

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
• A brief technical statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining understanding of the assignment and proposed approach to achieving the deliverables.
• Financial proposal indicating the consultant’s expected professional fees.