Associate Scientist – Field Phenotyping and Analysis Population Evaluations

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the planning, designing, and implementing experiments related to Plant Breeding and Genetics, primarily focusing on trials conducted under direct-seeded conditions. The candidate will lead population evaluations for the RCRS program being initiated by the team, ensuring effective data management and analysis. On a daily basis, the candidate will oversee field trials, which will involve phenotyping, data collection, curation, and analysis across diverse regions.

Additionally, the candidate will contribute to preparing research proposals and reports by reviewing relevant literature, selecting appropriate research tools, and establishing methodologies for assessing rice disease resistance. They will also collaborate with their supervisor to support ratoon and low-nitrogen phenotyping efforts.

Effective coordination with breeding operations and maintaining regular communication with project partners will be essential to ensure alignment and facilitate efficient collaboration. The candidate will provide stakeholders with clear guidelines and technical assistance, ensuring that all experiments align with the goals of the DSR project. Furthermore, they will monitor research activities, make recommendations for improvement, and mentor staff to uphold high work standards.

Resource coordination with IRRI services will be critical to ensure the smooth execution of experiments and address any logistical challenges. The candidate will analyze and validate research data, contribute to manuscripts, and make presentations for conferences. They will also provide regular updates to the lead scientist to maintain adherence to reporting schedules.

Finally, the candidate will ensure accurate data recording, manage databases effectively, and prepare training programs, including the necessary materials and logistics. Developing and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be essential to maintain consistency and quality in all research activities.

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

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate Experiment Planning and Implementation: Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of all experiments related to Plant Breeding and Genetics, with a focus on trials conducted under direct-seeded conditions.
• Population Evaluation and RCRS Screening Coordination: Lead the advancement of population evaluations through the RCRS screening process, ensuring systematic storage, management, and analysis of data.
• Field Trial Development and Data Management: Manage the day-to-day development of trials, including phenotyping, training, and the systematic collection, curation, storage, and analysis of data generated from field trials through phenotyping networks across regions.
• Research Proposal and Report Contribution: Contribute to the development of research proposals and reports by reviewing related literature, selecting appropriate research tools and equipment, verifying suggested methodologies, and establishing parameters for assessing rice resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases.
• Ratoon and Low Nitrogen Phenotyping: Support the testing of rice breeding lines for ratoon and low nitrogen phenotyping, working closely with the supervisor on these breeding activities.
• Coordination with Breeding Operations: Ensure regular interaction with breeding operations, fostering seamless collaboration and efficient operations between units.
• Regularly communicate with project partners (both internal and external) to exchange ideas and obtain feedback.
• Organize meetings and discussions to align all partners on research objectives and project progress.
• Ensure that collaborators understand project requirements and can contribute effectively.
• Provide stakeholders with clear guidelines on the implementation of experiments, including protocols and expectations.
• Offer technical assistance to ensure experiments are designed and conducted according to project goals.
• Continuously evaluate research activities, especially field and greenhouse experiments.
• Provide recommendations for improvement based on observations and data to ensure efficient and accurate research execution.
• Mentor research technicians and contract workers to maintain a high standard of work and a collaborative work environment.
• Coordinate with IRRI services and ensure all required supplies and logistical needs are met for the smooth implementation of experiments and surveys.
• Address any challenges in resource availability or experiment logistics promptly.
• Consolidate, evaluate, and analyze research data from field trials to ensure accurate and meaningful insights.
• Assess, validate, and contribute to the interpretation of experimental results, supporting the preparation
• of manuscripts for reports, publications, and presentations/posters for national and international conferences.
• Provide timely updates on research outputs to the lead scientist, ensuring adherence to reporting schedules.
• Oversee and ensure the accurate recording and maintenance of data, facilitating efficient database management for optimal storage and retrieval of information.
• Coordinate and manage the preparation of training programs, ensuring that training materials, logistical arrangements, and resource personnel align with the defined objectives.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Plant breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or relevant fields with three (3) years of relevant work experience.
• PhD in Plant breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or relevant fields with one (1) year of relevant work experience.

Skills Required:

Mandatory:

• Experience in field management and phenotyping of breeding populations under direct-seeded conditions and abiotic stresses.
• Experience in designing field experiments and layouts.
• Experience in phenotypic data collection, curation, management, and analysis.
• Experience in efficiently managing field staff and activities.
• Ability to communicate with stakeholders with diverse cultural backgrounds and expertise.
• Ability to work with pooled phenotyping and operation units.

Source: https://www.irri.org/talentlink/details.html?id=Q7LFK026203F3VBQB79QWQWAS&nPostingID=1945&nPostingTargetID=3514&mask=irriext&lg=EN