About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization 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.

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.

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. The state-of-the-art rice research Centre catalyzes South-South collaboration, strengthens research and capacity development of rice-growing countries in the South Asia and Africa regions, and contributes towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. In July 2022, the government of India has accorded approval for ISARC phase 2 through an MOU with IRRI to implement next-phase activities up to 2027 to help boost farmers’ incomes by enhancing and supporting rice productivity, reducing the cost of production, value addition, diversification, and enhancement of farmers’ skills. The Centre has state-of-art infrastructure, installations and utilities, world class research laboratories equipped with high end sophisticated equipment and machines, training facilities, experiment farms and farm facilities. Besides, it has a well-designed and maintained lush green landscape that gives an aesthetic look to the center.

Under the close supervision of the Senior Associate Scientist/Farm Manager, provide basic support in the a). Implementation and accomplishment of the lab experiments, organize glassware, sample processing, chemical preparation, chemical analysis and instrument handling. b). Day to day experimental research farm management, data collection, and encoding for the report, application of fertilizers, weedicides/herbicides, monitoring of crop health.

This position is based at ISARC, Varanasi.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Execute routine field, screen house, greenhouse and laboratory operations including field preparation and maintenance, crop management, plant sampling as well as harvest, post-harvest seed processing to seed warehousing and material transfer, to support project requirements;
• Perform basic field and laboratory experimental activities (i.e. sample processing and storage, glassware management, chemical preparation) ensuring compliance with IRRI SOPs, guidelines and protocols;
• Maintain a safe and efficient working environment through reporting all incidents, near misses and suggesting possible solutions in order to improve operations and systems.
• Provide timely, consistent and accurate information to direct supervisor/requestor to ensure smooth flow of research activities (i.e. availability and purchase of supplies, the presence of pest and diseases for immediate pesticide application) and that research objective and SOPs are followed;
• Support scholars, students, researchers and scientists in establishing field experiments;
• Provide support to requestors in facilitating their material transfer requests;
• Assist in the training and sensitization programs on weedicides/herbicides application, fertilizer management, micro irrigation, etc.
• Prepare materials and lay-out and ensure proper maintenance of the experiment operations, and protocols including maintenance of storage and preparation of supplies, material inventory, cleanliness, orderliness, and safety, preparation of commonly used fertilizers and chemicals as well as waste disposal;
• Under close supervision of the lead, operate machinery and equipment to deliver service and experimental support as per request;
• Collect data and ensure correct encoding on the assigned database;
• Operate project vehicle to transport staff and supplies to and from the field.
• Support contract workers for smooth research farm function.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

• Intermediate in science with relevant work experience

Skills Required

Mandatory:

• Basic knowledge of MS Office programs
• Experience in data collection

Preferred:

• Has vehicle driving license
• Experience in rice production, managing experiments in the field, and laboratory

In addition to the base salary mentioned above, IRRI also offers the following allowances:

• House-Rent Allowance: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.
• Transport Allowance: A monthly transport allowance of INR 2,000
• Dearness Allowance: One Hundred and Thirteen percent (113%) of employee’s base pay.
• Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): One-month base pay per annum, on availing minimum 2 days of vacation leave
• Education Allowance: INR 1000/- per child per month (limited 2 children)

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.