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

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) with the support of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, and Farmers’ Welfare has established IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations. Recently the government of India has accorded approval for ISARC phase 2 through MOU with IRRI to implement next phase activities up to 2027. It has three verticals: Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA), Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture (CESA), and Centre of Education, Innovation, and Research for Development (CEIRD).

Under the guidance of the South Asia Breeding lead, IRRI is seeking applications forms for a dynamic and highly innovative Project Scientist I for coordinating the genotypic and phenotypic characterization of 3K subsets, elite breeding lines, and landraces in collaboration with project collaborators and the IRRI-SA Hub. This includes developing haplotype-specific markers to facilitate haplotype-assisted breeding, which aims to enhance the genetic gain model and deliver higher rates of genetic improvement. Additionally, the role entails leading the genotyping of mapping populations, germplasm, and segregating populations using genome-wide SNPs and haplotype-specific markers. This coordination extends to collaborating with various NARES (National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems) and other centers, ensuring widespread application and dissemination of genotyping efforts. He/she will contribute to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations by summarizing research findings and draft manuscripts for publication in refereed journals, provide inputs to project reports, prepare posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences and compiling projects reports. Applicants will work in DBT-supported project at Varanasi.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinate genotypic and phenotypic characterization of 3K subsets/elite breeding lines/landraces together with project collaborators and IRRI-SA Hub
• Development of haplotype specific makers to enable haplotype assisted breeding for enhancing the genetic gain model in order to deliver higher rates of genetic gain
• Lead the genotyping of mapping populations/germplasm/segregating populations with genome-wide SNPs/haplotype specific markers for all the collaborative NARES and other centers
• Lead the genotyping of pathogen/mapping populations/germplasm/segregating populations with genome-wide SNPs/haplotype specific markers for all the collaborative NARES and other centers
• Actively participate in the strategic planning and research meeting of Rice Breeding Planform and Rice Breeding SA Cluster
• Coordinate closely with the IRRI HQ team (RB Platform), IRRI-SA Hub, project partners, other NAREs collaborators, to ensure smooth flow of research activities, effective genotyping and phenotyping of germplasm.
• Engage with ISARC to help build capacity in modernizing plant breeding programs and for the effective transfer of knowledge, technology and strategy.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations by summarizing research findings and draft manuscripts for publication in refereed journals, provide inputs to project reports, prepare posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences and compiling projects reports.
• Verify the progress of the research activities as defined by the agreed plans and objectives
• Represent IRRI to a wide audience by presenting at conferences/meetings
  Participate/contribute to visits, meetings, workshops, farmers’ fairs, and any such events at ISARC and outside.
• Support fund generation activities by contributing to proposal writing and creating new opportunities

Qualifications

Doctoral Degree in Genetics/Plant Breeding/Biotechnology/Plant Science
or Master’s Degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University or equivalent with 1 years of post-PhD experience in molecular breeding from research institute/university

Skills Required

Mandatory:

Proven ability to implement GAB for crop improvement
Proven ability to perform in multi-discipline and multi-cultural teams
Excellent scientific and analytical skills
Excellent interpersonal and organization skills

Preferred:

Extensive experience in molecular breeding in rice
Respectable publication record in peer reviewed journals

Allowances: In addition to the base salary indicated above, your will be entitled to HRA of 16% of the basic salary. IRRI also offers employee benefits package inclusive of medical insurance, life and accident insurance.

Join our team and be part of our story!