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
As a global leader in science for sustainable agricultural development, IRRIโs seeks to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of farmers and consumers, while promoting environmental sustainability as well as gender and social equity in the face of climate change. To achieve this, we are searching for a candidate to help creating resilient, inclusive and productive food systems. This is underpinned by multi-disciplinary research to understand and address systemic barriers to sustainability transitions and the scaling of technologies and practices at varied levels.
This Candidate will lead a research portfolio that contributes to IRRIโs South Asia and global programs. Working closely with development partners, local and global research institutes for more resilient, low-emission, and sustainable agricultural landscapes, the candidate should have an interdisciplinary background with a specialization in data science for agricultural applications. Especially, the use of AI/ML approaches for comprehensive and knowledge guided analytics of datasets that utilize survey data, measurement data, process-based models, and remote sensing data will be a crucial asset for this position.
We are looking for a passionate scientist with international experience that looks towards addressing these sustainability challenges in agricultural landscapes. A key role for the position will be supporting and co-leading the development of IRRIโs data ecosystems to support program design and investment targeting in agricultural systems. Working with initiatives such as the KERA project for low-emission rice systems and the 1CGIAR Science program for Sustainable Farming, the candidate is expected to work with interdisciplinary and intercultural teams in India and across the globe.
This position will be based in Kerala, India and is open for international applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
Design and implement AI/ML research on sustainable and equitable agricultural and and food systems, including gender-based socio-economic constraints, risks, resource management and opportunities for technology adoption Develop lean data ecosystems for examining farming practices, responses to risks and shocks and different levels (farmer and decision-makers) including the perceptions and use of new technology innovations, such as mechanization, transitions to new crops/aquaculture systems, automated water sensors, and participatory adaptation planning. Support and oversee partner field research through development and evaluation of research designs execution, analysis, and reporting to ensure high quality and robust outputs Supervise national staff researchers and students Contribute to research on policy and governance studies Writing publications related to the research Collaborate with consultants, scientists across the CGIAR, national partners, students/research fellows, and the research team to co-design and implement AI/ML based research programs Work with partners at IRRI India, as well as those in other countries Foster good working relationships with national research and extension partners, both in public and private sectors, as well as donor representatives across the work region Engage partners in advanced research institutes to actively pursue research and funding opportunities Communicate key messages and project progress with donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders Lead the implementation of AI/ML research, provide analysis from survey data, experimental data, and remote sensing studies Manage project budgets and partnership agreements with support from supervisor and team Contribute to AI/ML studies of food systems transformation at the landscapes level Contribute to policy advice and discussions Develop high quality research outputs and manuscriptsQualifications PhD in agricultural and data sciences (or related field) or 10 years of equivalent training / experience
Skills Required
Mandatory
Proven ability or potential to perform in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment Has demonstrated quantitative skills and familiarity with mixed methods approaches Has demonstrated analytical skills Proven ability or potential to integrate gender and social dimensions in research design and analysis Has excellent organizational skillsPreferred
At least 3 yearsโ experience in applied research on agriculture, 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 only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.