International - Head of Applied Photosynthesis

Senior/Principal Scientist, Head of Applied Photosynthesis and Systems Modeling Team, C4 Rice

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 lead research aimed at introducing the C4 photosynthetic pathway into rice in order to produce a large and sustainable increase in productivity and to coordinate the activities of the C4 Rice Consortium.

Responsibilities: This role involves leading a strategic research initiative which may take a decade to complete, requiring the expertise of many scientists based in advanced institutions around the world. The first three years of the research project will require a focus on proving the concept and assembling the components required to construct C4 rice. Specifically, the Head will be required to;

Lead the research program in applied photosynthesis;

as the focal person on all related scientific matters and reporting; project managing the scientific work programme, including; - serving as the link for communication on scientific, administrative and financial matters; - preparation of periodic progress reports for development partners and follow-up of deliverables; and - supervising scientists, post-doctoral research assistants, research students, technical and other support staff engaged in research. maintaining, in collaboration with colleagues as appropriate, sufficient external funding through research grants or contracts to support a developing research agenda; publishing research outcomes in appropriate journals of international standing and disseminating the results of research and scholarship through other reputable outlets; attending and presenting research findings and papers at academic and professional conferences, and to contribute to the external visibility of the programme and the Institute; and undertaking such specific roles and management functions as may be reasonably required the Deputy Director General – Research Ensure that the expertise in gene discovery is fully harnessed in support of the C4 project by; - fostering a high level of professional outreach and collaboration; - contributing to the research planning, monitoring and evaluation; and - attending meetings and participating (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the Institute Run an innovative research program which; - has a sound research base of high quality consistent with making full active research contributions; - has an appropriate strategy considerate of risk management, conflict resolution and other key issues for the success of the project; and - reflects well and enhances the Clients reputation. To coordinate the activities of the C4 Rice Consortium. The C4 Project will require 13 research teams and 90 scientists located in six countries. Activities may include; - gathering reports from partners and monitoring output and expenditure against targets and budgets, - ensuring that the consortium agreement is correctly implemented; - organising consortium and committee meetings and taking an active role in these; and - leading project communication, meeting and workshops, as well as any action for training and dissemination purposes.

Knowledge Required for Senior/Principal Scientist, Head of Applied Photosynthesis and Systems Modeling Team, C4 Rice Role

Education / Experience
 Minimum Education: PhD in plant physiology, genetics, molecular biology or a related field
Experience required: At least 5-10 years of post-PhD experience, with a strong background in whole plant physiology and molecular biology and a proven record of innovative contributions.
Languages: English: Written and Spoken Knowledge of local language an asset
Ideal Experience: Preferred competencies include: 
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills - demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and with colleagues in advanced institutions and NARES - experience working with field crops - an understanding of systems biology

Professional Competencies

Research Planning: Develops scientific framework including identification of the problem, providing rationale, enumeration of objectives, formulation of hypotheses, and identification of appropriate approaches and methodologies (experiments, surveys, etc) (Competency Level 4 Global Leadership) Research Management: Leads research projects and experiments until completion, based on expected outputs. Monitors and reports research developments, including critical findings, problems and solutions to problems. (Competency Level 4 Global Leadership) Planning and Organizing: Establishes work priorities, utilizes budgetary and staff resources to accomplish goals. (Competency Level 4 Mastery) Scientific Communication: Presents research findings in various formats such as refereed journal papers, seminars, conferences, and training materials (Competency Level 4 Global Leadership) RMQA Orientation: Contributes to development of relevant Quality Assessment and Quality Control principles and practices, and monitors compliance with them among subordinates (Competency Level 2 Application)

Core Competencies
Commitment to stakeholders: Understands and assists stakeholders to fulfill their needs, consistent with the organization’s mission and values (Competency Level 3 Mastery) Communication: Communicates in a manner that promotes understanding, openness, and respect for diversity (Competency Level 4 Global Leadership) Development of staff: Recognizes self and others’ development needs, commits to implement individual development plans to empower others, and provides learning and development opportunities (Competency Level 3 Mastery) Creativity: Introduces and applies something new, useful, and valuable for the Institute and its Stakeholders (Competency Level 4 Global Leadership) Results: Produces outputs based on directions and goals, with excellence, integrity, and accountability (Competency Level 4 Global Leadership) Teamwork and Partnership: Works effectively and collaboratively across diversity to achieve shared goals (Competency Level 4 Global Leadership)

For further information, please contact: Ursula Crossan +353 1 6479206 HYPERLINK "mailto:ursula@sri.ie" ursula@sri.ie Science Recruitment Ireland HYPERLINK "http://www.sri.ie" www.sri.ie