Assistant Scientist – Data Science

About IRRI

Job Purpose

This position is created to support the Genebank (International Rice Genebank) project activities, whereby the successful candidate will be working together with the Principal Investigator and GRC staff in the headquarters, and serve as a conduit between the IRRI staff and international consultants for smooth implementation of the targeted activities. The incumbent is also expected to introduce new approaches and relevant technologies that maximize the efficiency and capability of the team.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Handle all Artificial Intelligence  (AI)/ Machine Learning (ML ) tasks of the Unit
• Contribute to the development, training, and deployment of AI/ML models to tackle specific tasks relevant to the Unit
• Development of related software features or components
• Spearhead in updating the system, software analysis, and evaluation of the features to suit the requirements in running the system
• Provide technical support for storage, analysis, and retrieval of data
• Work closely with other units in GRC, staff within RBI and IRRI, and external collaborators and partners to design and implement ML-based solutions
• Regularly monitor, evaluate, and provide recommendations to improve research activities/tasks performed by Research Technicians, students, and trainees in the team
• Coordinate with required IRRI services and supplies to ensure smooth implementation
• Fit-for-purpose ML-based models developed and deployed
• Prepare and submit updates of outputs to the supervisor in a timely manner
• Interpretation of results contributing to the writing of manuscripts for reports/publications
• Supervise and lead the maintenance of accurate data recording and update database for efficient storage and retrieval of information

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or related fields and with 4 years of relevant work experience in biological research
• Master of Science degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or related fields and with 1 year of relevant work experience in biological research

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Machine Learning and Deep Learning: Proficiency in building and optimizing models like convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which are particularly useful for image classification tasks.
• Image Processing: Knowledge of image processing techniques.
• Programming: Strong skills in Python or R, particularly in using libraries like TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and OpenCV for model development and image processing.
• Data Manipulation and Analysis: Ability to preprocess and analyze large datasets, including skills in data cleaning, transformation, and visualization.
• Statistics: Solid understanding of statistical concepts and their application in data analysis and model validation.
• Model Deployment and Maintenance: Experience in deploying models into production and maintaining them for scalability and efficiency

Preferred

• Knowledge of artificial intelligence, bioinformatics analysis
• Basic understanding of agricultural science and rice research
  

IRRI 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.