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

The incumbent will lead/support in implementation and monitoring of various projects in India and abroad through the Project management unit and Center of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture (CESA) by ISARC. S/he will manage and lead the laboratory activities including methodology development and validation, purchase and maintenance of equipment’s, and chemicals and other supplies. S/he will conceptualize, plan, and conduct research studies, including activities such as preparation, improvement and/or development of necessary research tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Work closely with collaborating partner(s), exchange information and present research findings (in seminars, conferences, publications). Supervise, coach and guide scholars, researchers and research technicians. Prepare and provide training as needed.

In close association with team Agronomy/soil/nutrition/ carbon, S/he will also help manage the activities of various projects on nutrition, health and production and productivity enhancement of fragile environments. The incumbent will be responsible to develop partnership and provide strong engagement with public, civil and private sectors for the development and dissemination of improved and innovative technologies. S/he will prepare technical literature, improve and/or develop necessary research protocols, tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and provide strategic direction to the NARES partners time to time.

This position is based at Varanasi and must only be filled by the permanent residents of India.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the farm and lab activities including methodology development and validation, purchase and maintenance of equipment’s, and ensure timely availability of chemicals and other supplies
• Strategically lead, support and plan for implementation and monitoring of various projects led through Project management unit (PMU) and Center of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture (CESA) by ISARC
• Prepare research outline including rationale, hypothesis, experimental lay-out, statistical design, timetable of activities and overseeing lab analysis
• Maintain research requirements by ensuring procurement of necessary materials and equipment
• Provide support in maintaining associated experimental farm activities (in-situ and ex-situ)
• Manage and monitor expenditures and liaise with IRRI financial office to ensure adequate financial reporting
• Provide support to the CESA team on-going activities under various projects
• Manage and guide the implementation of research support activities to ensure timely data collection, management, analysis and dissemination of result and information
• Contribute to a positive work environment for team members (in farm and lab and across centers) that nurtures strong commitment to the project mission and a sense of well-being and confidence
• Finalize draft reports for submission to supervisor and stakeholders and technical literature to disseminate results/write manuscript for international journal articles
• Contribute to development of Communication strategy/ies
• Sustain existing partnerships, create new associations and investment opportunities
• Contribute to Developing standardized protocols for biochemical lab estimations and its validation
• Ensure timely availability of necessary supplies for labs
• Provide strict supervision on sophisticated instruments operations by research technicians/scholars
• Work closely with farm unit for research farm related operations
• Coordinate with collaborators and partners regarding the implementation of different projects activities
• Act as resource person for training courses to train NRS scientists/ scholars/ students on lab processes
• Contribute to the ISARC and associated projects activities on related aspects/ themes under the guidance of the supervisor and ISARC Director/ technical coordinator
• Contribute to the organization of CoCo, advisory committee, and other important meetings and monitoring/ execution of actions to be taken related to their units /sub-units
• Lead the efforts on six monthly/annual/ other reports preparation of ISARC and associated projects of theme/ sub-theme
• Actively contribute to the drafting of communication materials, news, bulletins, etc of ISARC
• Contribution and work as resource persons for training/ exposure visits being organized by ISARC at the center/ at any project sites
• Participation/contribution to visits, meetings, workshops, farmers’ fairs and any such events at ISARC and outside
• Lead and support fund generation activities by contributing to proposal writing and creating new opportunities
• Any other tasks as assigned by ISARC Director / Supervisor/ Unit leader/ Coordinator

Qualifications

PhD in Agriculture (Crop Physiology/Agronomy/ Soil Science) with 7 years of relevant experience

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Should have extensive proven technical proficiency in conducting research
• experiments/surveys
• Should have extensive research management experience
• Should have excellent analytical skills
• Should have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Should have strong decision-making skills
• Should have experience in leading a small research team
• Should have experience contributing to research publications, presentations or Reports
• Should have experience writing project reports and manuscript
• Must have experience in working in a well-equipped lab and conducting research and extension both at the national and international level
• Must have experience in establishing partnerships with ICAR, SAUs, CU, state organizations, NGOs
• Must have experience in testing and validating technologies

Preferred

• Has experience working in an international organization

Allowances:

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 5,000
• 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