Research Technician II – Soil Management

About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government.

The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

This position is based at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and must only be filled by the permanent residents of India.

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Associate Scientist, the Research Technician will support the implementation of field research, scaling of farming systems technologies, training, and field demonstration, and data collection through surveys, focus group discussions, and field monitoring. S/he will work in close coordination with the project team members to assist in the execution of planned activities and delivery of project outputs.

The incumbent will ensure that s/he will develop and maintain good relationships with farmer cooperators, survey respondents, and other relevant partners by developing proper channels for communications and resolving issues that may arise during the conduct of field trials, technology demonstration trials, training, and surveys.

Roles and Responsibilities

• This position will provide support in the implementation of project activities including crop establishment, data collection, and support in conducting training of key stakeholders.
• Facilitation of ongoing trails at different locations for soil sampling and analysis, water measurement and precise nutrient management
• Supervision of field staff at the field locations for managing the trial and agronomic practices
• Involvement in capacity building and training programs of different stakeholders on natural resource management
• Data collection from strategic and adaptive trials
• Supporting soil lab for different biophysical parameters
• Actively participate in research activities, which may include experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Established protocols and methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable results
• Organize and maintain accurate records of experimental data, observations, and results. Includes recording protocols, data entry, and data analysis using appropriate software tools
• Support in conducting trials, managing agronomic and soil data, soil, and plant analysis
• Coordinate with farmers regarding field data collection to ensure that work activities are properly communicated
• Provide regular update to the supervisor to immediately resolve issues encountered during the execution of the project activities
• Proper maintenance of experimental operations (field)
• Data compilation and proofreading
• Maintain a strict schedule for field and dissemination activities and delegate tasks
• Process raw data from the instrument run
• Lead and oversee the work of other research technicians, contract workers and on-the-job trainees during field operations

Qualifications

Bachelor of Agriculture Science with 3 years of relevant work experience

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Should have basic knowledge of MS Office programs such as Word and Excel or related software
• Should have experience in data collection
• Should have good interpersonal skills
• Should have good organizational skills
• Experience in conducting trials on GHG measurements, soil and plant
  analysis

Preferred

• Is in the possession of a driver’s license
• Should have experience in rice production and basic agronomic data

Allowances:

In addition to the base salary mentioned above, IRRI also offers the following allowances:-

• House-Rent Allowance: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.
• Transport Allowance: A monthly tran sport allowance of INR 2,000
• Dearness Allowance: One Hundred and Thirteen percent (113%) of employee’s base pay.
• Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): One-month base pay per annum, on availing minimum 2 days of vacation leave
• Education Allowance: INR 1000/- per child per month (limited 2 children)

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 only shortlisted candidates will be contacted