postdoctoral fellow - agronomy & weed ScienceInternational 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
IRRI is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated post-doctoral fellow with background in Agronomy and Weed Science to contribute to the development of innovative crop and natural resource management approaches for integrated weed management and sustainable intensification of rice-based cropping systems in Asia. The incumbent should have strong theoretical knowledge of agricultural systems, as well as a mix of practical field skills, data analytical skills, appreciation of inter-disciplinary work, and a core commitment to achieving science-led agricultural development. He/she will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of social scientists, economists, GIS/remote sensing experts, breeders, soil/agronomist, and policy analysts to understand adoption processes, technology targeting, and the enabling environment to support sustainable intensification at scale.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership to the priority thematic areas including cropping system design for climate resilience, direct-seeded rice, and integrated/precision weed management to support projects such as Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA; www.csisa.org), Direct-Seeded Rice Consortium, and Excellence in Agronomy
Develop new research questions and overall research strategy that address core knowledge gaps, often by leveraging newer and emerging methods, including modern analytics, tools, multiple spatial and temporal scales leading to precision agronomy and weed management
Work closely with multidisciplinary team to implement innovative agronomy and weed management approaches and to understand adoption processes, technology targeting, and the enabling environment to support sustainable intensification at scale
Lead the development and writing of high impact publications in peer reviewed journals
Prepare high quality project reports for submission to donors
Supervise and mentor junior staff
Communicate and coordinate effectively with CGIAR centers, NARES partners, other advance research institutions and private sector collaborators involved in CSISA, DSRC, and EiA to ensure the research outputs are effectively endorsed within CG and national systems
Align with key IRRI staff to ensure that goals and objectives of the projects are met
Communicate key messages and project progress with donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders
Provide information and guidance to on-going field and project management activities involving assistants, technicians, scholars in order to maintain a good working environment as well as harmony within the team
Successfully develop workflow, implement agreed plans and project activities
Demonstrate leadership in research in the area of modern agronomy at scale and integrated weed management
Systematically compile, analyze and interpret data in order to contribute to good quality project reports to donors
Lead the development and writing of high impact publications in peer-reviewed journals showcasing the institute's scientific leadership
Represent IRRI to a wide audience by presenting at international conferences/meetings
Contribute actively to the strategic planning of the research agenda of the research unit/platform
Qualifications
PhD in relevant discipline with experience in Systems Agronomy and Weed Science
Skills Required
Mandatory
Strong back ground in field oriented research and extension activities in the area of agronomy and integrated weed management
Ability to use modern data analytics tools for data driven agronomy including weed management at scale
Have a mix of practical field skills, quantitative abilities, appreciation of inter disciplinary work, and a core commitment to achieving science-led agricultural development
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.
Good publication records relevant to the position requirement
Preferred
Experience and knowledge of rice-based systems
Prior experience in the field of Agronomy and weed science
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