International - Scientist, Rice Breeder

Scientist, Rice Breeder - Water scarce systems Role

Science Recruitment Ireland has been appointed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to assist with a major recruitment drive.  IRRI is currently undergoing a huge growth phase with urgent requirement for postdoctoral fellows, and other more experienced international candidates with expertise in some of the following areas - plant genetics/breeding, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, and developmental biology.  These roles will be based in Philippines or India and will be at least 3-5 years in duration, with a good likelihood that the contracts will be extended further.

Based in the Philippines, the International Rice Research Institute is the oldest and largest international agricultural research institute in Asia. It is an autonomous, nonprofit rice research and education organization with staff based in 14 countries in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice farmers and consumers, and ensure that rice production is environmentally sustainable. We work closely with most rice-producing and -consuming countries and their national agricultural research and extension systems as well as farming communities and a range of international, regional, and local organizations. In partnerships with these national systems, IRRI conducts research and provides training and education for those helping rice farmers by disseminating information and proven, sustainable technologies. IRRI was established in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations in cooperation with the Philippine government. Its headquarters—which feature modern laboratories, training and accommodation facilities, and a 252-hectare experimental farm—lie next to the main campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, about 60 kilometers south of the Philippine capital, Manila.

Job Purpose
To develop high yielding rice varieties adapted to water scarce conditions suitable for direct seeding and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) systems.


Responsibilities:

Develop improved rice germplasm adapted to direct seeding- zero tillage, wet and AWD conditions 35% Identify appropriate plant types and key traits for breeding high yielding varieties suitable for direct seeding 25% Develop high throughput screening protocols for direct seeding under dry, wet and AWD conditions in collaboration with physiologist, agronomists and weed scientists 10%
Identify genes/ QTLs for use in marker assisted selection for key traits such as anaerobic germination, early vigor and weed competiveness 10%
Collaborate with national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES) and ARI in germplasm improvement for water scare systems and multi location evaluation 10%
Develop projects to support the relevant research and networks 5%
Participate in training NARES in breeding varieties for direct seeded conditions 5%


Knowledge Required for Scientist, Rice Breeder - Water scarce systems Role Education / Experience

Minimum Education: Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics or closely related discipline
Experience required: Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral experience in plant breeding; demonstrated knowledge and experience of breeding for direct seeding; demonstrated knowledge and experience of varietal testing
Languages: English: Written and Spoken
Knowledge of local language an asset


Ideal Experience:
Preferred competencies include;
- Work experience in targeted environments preferably Asia;
- Knowledge and experience of working with early vigor, anaerobic germination, weed competitiveness, QTL identification - Ability to interact as a member of a multicultural research team
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills


For further information, please contact:


Ursula Crossan
+353 1 6479206
 ursula@sri.ie Science Recruitment Ireland HYPERLINK "http://www.sri.ie" www.sri.ie