senior Associate scientist - breedingInternational Rice Research Institute

About IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world's premier research organization 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, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.
Job Purpose
Under the direction and guideline from the Project Leader the Senior Associate Scientist - Breeding will establish a Rice Breeding Platform to enhance the private sector's rice breeding capacity through modernization of the breeding programs. Also to develop capacities (physical, human, and institutional) of the private sector with sufficient investment, to breed own inbred and hybrid rice varieties and expand rice seed business
Roles and Responsibilities
Purpose
Contribute to the appropriate implementation of research/breeding trials including appropriate experimental design, field lay-out, agronomic practices, data collection, process, analysis etc.
Coordinate with collaborating partners on their research requirements. To assure data driven decisions that are statistically analyzed with the appropriate statistical tools
Verify suggested methodologies and establish parameters
Select and facilitate adequate research tools and equipment
Manage researchers, technicians and laborers in assigning tasks/responsibilities
Coordinate the required services and supplies for rice breeding activities
Engagement
Assign, monitor and evaluate research activities/tasks performed by Researchers, Research Technicians and contract workers
Provide technical guidance when necessary
Maintain research trials/experiments by fostering a productive teamwork environment
Assist in developing standard research protocol
Assure maintenance of accurate data recording and update database
Analyze and validate data using appropriate advanced statistical tools independently
Assist in the interpretation of results
Make recommendations for further research
Delivery
Take part in development and completion of appropriate field trials/experiments in relation to developing desired rice varieties
Lead in the development of training materials and provide training to the field researcher, technicians and workers on field lay-out, setting trials/experiments, agronomic operations and data collection
Act as resource person for training courses and visitors
Provide field researchers, technicians and workers the requirement of logistics appropriate for research trials/experiments Supervise the work of researcher and technicians
Contribute to the professional development of researcher and technicians
Contribute in preparing research reports and journal papers
Prepare posters and presentation for local and international conferences
Participate and present papers or posters at scientific workshops/conferences as directed by the supervisor
Review documentation related to team/unit and check for inconsistencies
Lead the quality control of project data
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural degree with 7 years of relevant work experience in plant breeding methodologies particularly in field trials and other experiments or
Master of Science degree in Genetics and Breeding or relevant subject and at least 5 years work experience in modern breeding methodologies particularly in field trials and other experiments
A PhD in Genetics/ Plant Breeding/ Molecular Plant Breeding will be given preference.
Skills Required
Has proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments
Has strong oral and written communication skills
Has strong analytical skills
Has experience with research management (field trials)
Has good presentation skills
Has excellent computer skills
Has experience of supervising or overseeing staffs
Work experience with national and international organizations related to Agriculture
Preference will be given to the candidates who have research experiences with rice in any international research organizations.
Molecular Plant Breeding research experience will be an added advantage
Experience of working with USAID-financed project in Private sector development
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
International Rice Research Institute

Philippines Africa
Permanent
Full-time