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Scientist - Agronomist / Adaptive Research Specialist

Reference number: IRS-2012-02-GS

Apply by: 02 March 2012

To conduct adaptive and farmer-participatory research on cropping options to increase and sustain productivity of both rice-rice and rice-pulse cropping systems in the Ayeyarwady Delta in Myanmar. The position will be located in Myanmar and the project will focus on research into different cropping, harvest, and postharvest practices through farmer participatory adaptive research. The research will contribute to Program 3 of the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP): “Ecological and sustainable management of rice-based production systems”. The position will collaborate with a team of crop production specialists, plant breeders, pest managers (mainly rodents and weeds), and postharvest specialists.

Major accountabilities/Responsibilities

This position involves adaptive research in farmers’ fields and close collaboration with in-country partners and IRRI scientists from other disciplines. The major responsibilities will be:

• Identifying and critically evaluating diversification options for cost-effective rice-based cropping systems, particularly rice-pulses
• Identifying natural resource management options based on constraint analysis and then evaluating these in farmers’ fields (scientist-managed plots)
• Assessing farmer-selected varieties and management options pre- and postharvest (farmer-managed plots); organizing various stakeholders, including farmers, NGO extension workers, and local government staff to participate in field trial evaluation
• Strengthening the capacity of local project staff in natural resource management of rice-based cropping systems
• Contributing to the development of annual work plans and organizing annual review and planning meetings
• Developing effective dissemination strategies for recommended practices

Qualification requirements
• PhD in agronomy
• At least 4 years of post-PhD research experience; strong background in adaptive research and extension pathways; experience in conducting multidisciplinary field projects in rice-based cropping systems; excellent interpersonal communication skills; excellent written and spoken English

Screening will start on 02 March 2012 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been found.

Please indicate the position 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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