Post doctoral fellow - Plant Physiologist

Reference number: PDF-2012-02-KJ

Apply by: 31 March 2012

The successful candidate will be based at IRRI HQ, and will work closely with the team involved in developing high temperature tolerant and escape rice mega varieties for both fully flooded and dry land ecosystems. The major focus of the project is to understand and dissect the physiological mechanisms underlying tolerance to temperatures beyond critical thresholds in rice. Although emphasis will be on addressing the impact of high temperature effect at the reproductive stages i.e. anthesis and microsporogenesis, as a continuation of on-going research activities, the candidate will be involved in addressing the effect of high temperature stress during the grain filling stage and its extended impact on grain quality. Additionally the position requires the candidate to work closely with breeders and molecular biologists at IRRI, NARES (National Agricultural Research and Extension Institutes) and advanced research collaborators and hence candidates with fair understanding and experience in aspects related to molecular biology/molecular breeding will be preferred. Applications should include a brief statement (1-2 pages) summarizing previous scientific work and experience, curriculum vitae, and the names and full contact details of three potential references to evaluate the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

Duties

Together with the team at IRRI, the candidate will help coordinate research on in depth analysis of physiological processes leading to high temperature adaptation under different rice ecosystems. The candidate will be also be involved in identifying physiological traits at the whole plant level for enhancing yields under increasing temperatures. Specific activities include:

1. Phenotyping and Identifying additional sources of heat tolerance and escape from controlled environments and high temperature hot spots across NARES partner sites using diverse pool of land races, wild introgression lines etc.
2. Physiological analyses particularly hormonal and antioxidant approaches to address negative temperature effects
3. Intensify efforts in addressing high temperature (both high day and night temperature) related interference with grain filling and grain quality
4. Studies of interaction between high temperatures and nitrogen (nutrition) on grain filling
5. Prepare manuscript for publication and actively participate in developing project proposals
6. Take the lead in developing annual work plans, and reports.

Qalification requirements:
• PhD in Plant/Crop Physiology, with a thorough understanding of plant reproductive physiology, strong background and experience in whole plant/leaf physiology and a fair understanding of molecular techniques
• Experience in designing and performing experiments independently
• Experience in working with temperature controlled chambers
• Proficient communication skills and a good publication record (in English)
• Experience in project reporting
• Ability to apply statistical packages such as R or GenStat

Screening will start on 31 March 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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