Associate Scientist - Plant Breeding And Genetics

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

Under the general direction of the Principal Scientist, the Associate Scientist will conceptualize, plan, and lead research studies, including the design and implementation of experiments, and the preparation, improvement, and development of research methodologies, tools, and protocols. The Associate Scientist will drive innovative research in plant breeding and genetics by leading experimental studies, analyzing complex research data, and advancing hybrid rice breeding technologies. The incumbent will collaborate with internal and external partners, publish and present scientific findings, mentor researchers and technical staff, and contribute to capacity-building initiatives that support IRRI's mission of advancing sustainable rice research.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Plan and design multiple experiments in the direct-seeded hybrid rice parental line development and carry out research studies for systematic breeding and the establishment of the genetics (QTLs, heritability, & molecular/function mechanism) of high-seed producibility in heterosis breeding.
• Exploitation of rice phytobiome for improved nutrient-use efficiency, DSR, abiotic stress, and stable high-yield attainment adapted to sustainable agriculture practices, development of hybrids for direct-seeded market segments with relevant traits, study of combining ability for grain quality traits and nutritious grain in heterosis breeding, and development of breeding parental lines for two-line indica-japonica rice hybrids.
• Prepare a research outline stating rationale, hypothesis, experimental layout, statistical design, and timetable of activities.
• Organize research requirements by procuring all the necessary materials and equipment, and ensure that there is adequate manpower and appropriate tools to be used in the study.
• Identify, develop, and pre-test a Standard Operating Procedure that would ensure that the research procedures are followed and that there is proper utilization of experimental materials and facilities.
• Align with internal and external stakeholders, including the members of the Two Line Study Group (TLSG), in order to effectively manage the implementation of the experiments/surveys and other related research studies
• Secure the experiment/research study by constantly coordinating with the supervisors, project partners, leaders, and collaborators
• Ensure the efficiency of the research activities by continuous monitoring and coordination with other units and/or contractors
• Manage the performance of the Postdoctoral Fellow, Assistant Scientists, Researchers as well as interns/trainees to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment
• Independently consolidate, verify, and analyze collected data using the appropriate advanced statistical tools and draw conclusions by interpreting the outcome of the data based on the defined objective of the study.
• Contribute to the development and training of prediction and AI for seed producibility breeding, rice phytobiome breeding, DSR hybrid rice breeding, and GQ combining ability.
• Deliver significant contributions to the writing of reports, scientific papers, articles, posters, database for publications, and presentations on a local and international scale
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

Master's degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field with at least three (3) years of relevant research experience; or a PhD in a related discipline with at least one (1) year of relevant postdoctoral or professional research experience (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Demonstrated technical proficiency in planning and conducting scientific research.
• Proven experience in contributing to scientific publications, technical reports, conference papers, or presentations.
• Experience leading or supervising a small research team or mentoring junior researchers and technical staff.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in advanced statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles and their application in research.
• Familiarity with research risk management and research governance practices.
• Experience in planning, coordinating, and managing research projects.

Preferred

• Experience working in an international research organization or multicultural environment.

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.