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 Baรฑos, 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 Scientist II will provide scientific leadership in field-based plant physiology, stress response, and phenotyping, which contributes to breeding new varieties and physiological mechanisms related to agronomic management and climate change mitigation. The Rice Physiologist will collaborate closely with breeders, geneticists, and
agronomists as well as National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) partners working in targeted rice agro-ecosystems, and other project partners
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baรฑos, Philippines and is open for international applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
Provide scientific leadership in field-based plant physiology on abiotic stress resistance mechanisms and phenotyping, which contributes to breeding new varieties for stress-prone and direct-seeded systems and to the identification of genes related to stress response in rice. Collaborate closely with breeders and geneticists, as well as NARES partners working in targeted stress-prone regions. Engage the breeders and other stakeholders in the development and implementation of HTP selection strategies for key traits, and provide technical leadership in the linkage between mechanistic/discovery research at IRRI physiology with breeding efforts Contribute to rice agronomic research addressing key constraints to rice productivity, nutrient and water use efficiencies, and climate change/ greenhouse gas emissions. Analyze, develop, and improve methods to characterize rice growing environments and plants under target conditions Actively contribute to the strategic planning of the research agenda within the Platform, as well as other programs in IRRI Collaborate with internal and external project partners to ensure research objectives are met, and outputs are effectively transferred Represent IRRI to a wide audience by presenting at international conferences/meetings, strategic discussion forums, and policy platforms Provide professional advice to the Unit Leader, Department Head, IRRI management, and high-level partners by providing strategic directions for research and delivery Mentor, supervise, and develop the capacity of scientific teams, including MSc/PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and support staff. Promote knowledge sharing and facilitate the transfer of research outputs to stakeholders and collaborators. Actively support product development (varietal development, marker discovery, etc) Lead delivery of field-based plant physiology research supporting stress-resilient rice varieties. Publish and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals that highlight findings and showcase the Instituteโs scientific leadership on crop and natural resources management Actively seek and secure external funds and secure partnerships for research and development Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to timeQualifications
PhD in a relevant discipline with significant and relevant 5 years post-PhD experience in plant physiology with an emphasis on field experimentsSkills Required
Mandatory
multiple projects Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
Preferred
Experience with rice Work experience in a developing country environmentIRRI 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 that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.