Associate Scientist - Agronomy
Apply by: 15 January 2012
The major responsibility of the successful candidate will be to design and conduct experiments to identify key physiological mechanisms and traits inducing heat, combined heat and drought tolerance during critical developmental stages, both under controlled environment and field conditions. The candidate will collaborate in identifying specific physiological processes and traits contributing to enhanced yield under intensive irrigated ecosystems. The successful candidate will discuss, design, implement and manage experiments; collect, analyze, interpret and communicate experimental results through seminars or peer reviewed international journal publications. Manage and supervise experimental and laboratory facilities of the team and be the focal person for RMQA (Risk Management and Quality Assurance) issues of the team. The successful candidate will be IRRI’s focal NRS resource person for heat, combined heat and drought tolerance physiology.
Major accountabilities/Responsibilities
1. Design, conduct, and manage field, glasshouse and controlled environment research on heat, combined heat and drought tolerance research under CSISA (Cereal System Initiative for South Asia), (GSR) Green Super Rice and other related projects
• Identify key physiological processes and corresponding plant traits that can be applicable in breeding for heat tolerant high yielding elite varieties under irrigated ecosystems
• Develop/brainstorm on novel field phenotyping protocols for enhancing yields under hot and dry; hot and humid environments through integrated crop management by field experiments at IRRI, PhilRice and in NARES partner countries through external collaboration
2. Manage and coordinate research activities and disseminate research outputs
• Determine and manage resources needed to ensure their efficient utilization with smooth and accurate flow of activities without delay
• Develop new and/or update existing research protocols and methods to facilitate managing of simultaneous experiments, minimize experimental errors, and improve output accuracy
• Supervise crop management, sample collection and processing, and date collection to minimize errors and ensure good quality data
• Collate and analyze data, and communicate research findings by peer reviewed international publications and/or presentation in conferences and trainings
• Closely interact with MS and PhD students, review and edit manuscripts for publication by other researchers within the team
• Facilitate soil sample, plant tissue analyses including nitrogen estimation, carbohydrate quantification and grain quality analysis based on the experimental objectives
• Provide orientation to visitors and discuss with visiting scientists of the group’s research, and step up to organize and explain overall research strategy along with the immediate supervisor or take charge in his/her absence
3. Coordinate with collaborators to implement research project
• Collaborate with IRRI-based breeders to evaluate physiological traits and mechanisms for heat tolerance with enhanced yield under irrigated rice system and occasionally under upland conditions mainly related to heat and drought interaction
• Coordinate with external researchers and agencies to expedite implementation of collaborative research projects and travel to partner sites for data collection etc.
• Collaborate and provide technical assistance to visiting research fellow and guidance to scholars and other researchers within the institute on aspects related to the team’s research activities
• Provide training and/or assistance to researchers/scholars on general plant physiological measurements and specifically on heat tolerance/escape for them to achieve their objectives
• Provide trainings to NARES collaborators and IRRI staff
4. Manage and maintain laboratory and field facilities
• Coordinate with the in charge of the field growth chamber facilities to ensure systems are working efficiently and accurately at all times
• Coordinate with research support group within IRRI to facilitate installation and/or troubleshooting of equipment
• Oversee facilities, equipment maintenance and personally inspect and calibrate equipments to ensure proper functioning at all times
• Facilitate acquisition and disposal of equipment and proper waste disposal group
• Implement good laboratory and safety practices and quality data and reduce risks
Qualification requirements
• MS in Agronomy or related fields with strong background in Crop Physiology & Crop management
• At least 8 years in Crop Physiology/Agronomy
• Proficient leaf level physiological measurements (SPAD, Photosynthesis etc), biochemical analyses, experimental design and management of field and green house experiments. Experience in dealing with controlled environment experiments and the ability to drive four wheeler will be considered as additional strengths. Ability to coordinate with stakeholders and expedite collaboration with partners. Excellent verbal skills are considered essential for effective dissemination of information
Screening will start on 15 January 2012 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been found.
Please indicate the position reference number in the e-mail subject line. IRRI regrets that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
IRRI provides a multicultural work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, with a competitive compensation and benefit package. Women are encouraged to apply.
Join us to deliver rice science for a better world
Interested candidates should apply online (click apply now). Should you encounter problems applying online please email at IRRIrecruitment@irri.org
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