Assistant scientist - biochemistryInternational Rice Research Institute

About IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.
Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.
Job Purpose
Under the minimal supervision of the Senior Scientist II - Grain Quality and Nutrition Center, assist in the design of experiment(s), survey(s), and other research studies according to Cluster specific project goals and research objectives. Manage the implementation of defined research activities. Evaluate and validate experimental data and contribute to manuscript for reports and publications as well as presentations/posters for national and international conferences. Supervise, coach and guide scholars, OJTs, researchers and research technicians. Coordinate and prepare training sessions for a variety of people. Design experiments and carry out research on the analysis of rice starch structure using instrumental analyses including but not limited to HPLC and GC-MS. Conduct experiments on the implications of rice grain on consumer nutrition by using biochemical assays such as Total Starch, Resistant Starch, Digestible Starch, Total Sugars, and in vitro Glycemic Index analysis.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
Assist in designing experiments based on the research outline provided for rice starch structure analyses and grain digestibility
Manage the implementation of experiments and other research studies related to the analysis of metabolites in the rice grain using HPLC and other related techniques
Contribute to the development of research proposals including reviewing related literature and providing logistical support
Draft training material using readily available published information (i.e. protocols, methodology); verify suggested methodologies and establish parameters
Contribute to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations by summarizing research findings and draft manuscripts for publication in refereed journals, submitting project reports, and preparing posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences
Maintain smooth conduct of experiment(s) by troubleshooting problems with instruments including especially the LC-RI for SEC analysis, and fostering a productive teamwork environment
Exchange conceptual ideas with collaborating partners (national/international), coordinate on their research requirements, and seek feedback
Supervise the work of Researchers , Students, and Trainees and act as the focal person responsible for the professional development and performance appraisals of Research Technicians
Provide assistance and guidelines/information to scholars and collaborators considering the implementation of experiment(s) including the logistics
Act as resource person for training courses and visitors
Select adequate research tools and equipment based on employed analytical methods for the implementations of the targeted and untargeted metabolite platforms for the rice grain
Consolidate, evaluate, and analyze research data related to primary and secondary metabolites; and their concentration in the grain
Summarize and validate data using appropriate advanced statistical tools independently and ensure maintenance of accurate data recording and update database for efficient storage and retrieval of information
Assist in the interpretation of results in relation to biochemical mechanisms and grain quality and drafting conclusions to enable necessary actions or decisions
Prepare necessary supply; identify resource persons to make sure that the logistics are appropriate for defined purpose
Develop standard operating procedures (SOP) related to starch biochemical assays and other nutritional assays
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and 4 years of relevant work experience in chemical research or rice grain quality, or
Master of Science degree in Chemistry and 1 year relevant work experience in chemical research or rice grain quality
Equivalent training/experience
Skills Required
Mandatory
Has proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments
Has strong oral and written communication skills
Has strong analytical skills
Has some experience with Risk management and quality assurance
Has some experience with Research management
Has good presentation skills
Has knowledge in R or any statistical software for data processing, visualization, and interpretation
Has knowledge in rice starch biochemical and metabolite assays and must know how to operate the HPLC equipment
Preferred
Has some experience supervising or overseeing the work of staff
Has capability to coordinate and implement safety-related activities in the laboratory
IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances. Join our team and be part of our story!
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.
International Rice Research Institute

Philippines
Permanent
Full-time