Associate Scientist Plant Breeding

Under the minimal supervision of the Principal Scientist, the Associate Scientist is responsible for conceptualizing and implementing defined scientific studies. This includes but not limited to managing day-to-day operations, coordinating breeding experiments, and overseeing seed production activities within the group. The role requires collaboration with key IRRI research units, research institutions, and project partners and interpreting research findings and presenting data in various formats. The Associate Scientist will manage the seed inventory, including the creation and updating of the internal seed database. Additionally, they will provide technical support and deliver training sessions to staff, stakeholders, and partner institutions.

Beyond breeding and seed production experiments, the Associate Scientist must possess expertise in molecular biological assays such as DNA/RNA extraction, genotyping, cDNA synthesis, SDS-PAGE, PCR product purification, and RT-PCR experiments. They will conduct experiments on transgenic and non-transgenic lines, knockout, complementation tests, and overexpression experiments involving candidate genes linked to different traits of interest.

The role entails designing experimental strategies for validating the functions of candidate genes and developing molecular markers for screening and genotyping transgenic and non-transgenic lines. The Associate Scientist will analyze phenotype and genotype data of transgenic and non-transgenic populations, contribute to manuscript preparation for reports and publications, and supervise research technicians, delegating tasks to ensure timely project completion.

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

Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and develop research and/or data management methodologies to meet research requirements of various projects
• Lead the effective and efficient daily operations of line stage trials, yield trials, seed production, hybridization and crossing experiments for targeted grain quality and nutritional traits of non-transgenic and transgenic rice lines
• Lead the management and implement routine experiments, data collection and analysis and other activities to support the team in the field and screen house which includes but not limited preparation of materials and equipment for the experiment, verification and application of the techniques which will contribute to the success of the experiment, and enhance the quality of performance of key process involved
• Manage the seed collection, seed inventory and database for the efficient and effective operations of data generation pipeline in the laboratory
• Design experimental strategies for validating the functions of candidate genes, design molecular markers for screening and genotyping transgenic lines, analyze phenotype and genotype data of transgenic and non-transgenic populations
• Work hand-in-hand with the laboratory manager for ensuring smooth flow of data generation and seed management
• Align with internal project partners and collaborators (e.g. breeders, crop modelers, grain quality specialists, GIS specialist etc.) to ensure smooth flow of research activities and efficient exchange of data and information
• Collaborate and train external project partners in the field experiments, breeding experiments and phenotyping
• Provide information and guidance to on-going field and project management activities involving assistants, technicians and scholars in order to maintain a good working environment as well as harmony within the team
• Fine mapping and validation of QTLs for yield stability and superior grain quality
• Develop pre-breeding lines pyramided for various grain quality and nutritional traits
• Systematically compile, analyze, interpret data for yield and quality screening under HNT with molecular physiological and genetics data. Candidate has to write reports for donors as well as for oral/poster presentations in international conferences/workshops
• Write manuscripts for publication in quality, international journals and support colleagues in the overall dissemination of research results

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, Genetics or related field and 4 years relevant work experience in plant breeding, crop science, agronomy, genetics or related field
• Master of Science in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, Genetics or related field and 1 year relevant work experience in plant breeding, crop science, agronomy, genetics or related field

Skills Required:

Mandatory:

• Technical proficiency in conducting research experiments
• Strong oral and communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Experience in research management

Source: https://www.irri.org/talentlink/details.html?id=Q7LFK026203F3VBQB79QWQWAS&nPostingID=1915&nPostingTargetID=3450&mask=irriext&lg=EN