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
Under the supervision of a Principal Scientist, the Associate Scientist is expected to provide support in conceptualizing, planning, and execution of field trials involving transgenic and gene-edited materials, while also offering technical guidance to team members. The Associate Scientist will plan and design multiple experiments, lead and manage the implementation of multiple research studies, analyze and verify research data, prepare proposals, reports, scientific papers, articles, posters, and databases, work closely with national and international project collaborators, train research staff, scholars, and other stakeholders, and supervise the work of Assistant Scientists, Researchers, and Research Technicians.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baรฑos, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Plan and design multiple experiments, surveys, and research studies focused on transgenic and gene-edited materials primarily conducted as field trials, with supplementary laboratory work under the โDeveloping C4 intermediates in rice through genome editing Projectโ
- Lead and manage the implementation of laboratory work and field trials within IRRI and with Philrice, and other collaborative research institutes
- Ensure accurate molecular characterization of imported and exported transgenic and gene-edited materials
- Identify needed support staff and assign appropriate tasks and responsibilities
- Analyze and verify the results of research studies
- Prepare proposals, reports, scientific papers, articles, posters, and database
- Assess, validate, and contribute to the interpretation of experimental results
- Provide recommendations for improvement to ensure proper research execution
- Collaborate with internal and external partners for the timely conduct of laboratory and field research experiments
- Work closely with national and international project collaborators, exchange information, and present research findings in seminars, conferences, and publications
- Supervise the work of Researchers and Research Technicians
- Contribute to the professional development of Researchers and Research Technicians
- Carry out performance review of Researchers and Research Technicians
- Train staff, scholars, and other stakeholders
- Prepare and submit biosafety proposals, research reports, and presentations in a timely manner
- Oversee and ensure accurate and high quality research data collection
- Organize database for optimal storage and retrieval of information
- Foster a collaborative work environment
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Qualifications
- MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with 3 years of relevant work experience
- PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with 1 year of relevant experience
Skills Required
Mandatory
- Has experience in conducting multiple field trials
- Has strong analytical and quality assurance skills
Preferred
Has proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments involving transgenic, gene-edited, or regulated materials Knowledge on stewardship of biotechnology-derived plant productsIRRI 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.