Postdoctoral Fellow - Agri-food Systems| International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Agricultural Research Postdoctoral Fellow - Agri-food Systems| International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Deadline: 03 March 2023

IRRI is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated post-doctoral fellow with a background in Agronomy and cropping systems research to contribute to the development of innovative crop and natural resource management approaches for sustainable intensification of rice-based cropping systems and integrated value chains development on biofortified and diversified crops in Bangladesh. The incumbent should have strong theoretical knowledge of agricultural systems, as well as a mix of practical field skills, data analytical skills, scientific paper writing skill, an appreciation of inter-disciplinary work, stakeholder engagement and coordination skill, and a core commitment to achieving science-led agricultural development. He/She will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of social scientists, economists, GIS/remote sensing experts, breeders, soil/agronomist, and policy analysts to understand adoption processes, technology targeting, and the enabling environment to support sustainable intensification at scale.

This position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and is open for international applications.

I. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership to the priority thematic areas including on-farm research and development activities related to mixed farming systems, crop diversification, best management practices for the premium and biofortified rice, climate-smart rice production systems, and diversified agricultural production systems of Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems (SI-MFS) 
  • Implementation and coordination of the biofortified rice-based diversified cropping system work related to Transforming Agri-Food Systems in South Asia (TAFSSA) by engaging with other CG centers and partners in the region
  • Develop new research questions and overall research strategy that address core knowledge gaps, often by leveraging newer and emerging methods, including modern analytics, tools, multiple spatial and temporal scales leading to farming systems
  • Develop and coordinate partnerships with public and private organizations, universities, NGOs, service providers, and private companies. Organize regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss, streamline and implement the activities.
  • Implementation of the market and food environment surveys and other research studies
  • Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to implement innovative agronomy and farming systems research approaches and to understand adoption processes, technology targeting, and the enabling environment to support sustainable intensification at scale
  • Identify training needs; organize training for partners and beneficiaries; and provide technical assistance to project beneficiaries
  • Lead to organize project annual review and planning meetings
  • Lead the development and writing of high impact publications in peer reviewed journals
  • Prepare high quality project reports for submission to donors
  • Supervise and mentor junior staff
  • Communicate and coordinate effectively with CGIAR centers, NARES partners, other advance research institutions and private sector collaborators to ensure the research outputs are effectively endorsed within CG and national systems
  • Align with key IRRI staff to ensure that goals and objectives of the projects are met
  • Communicate key messages and project progress with donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders
  • Provide information and guidance to on-going field and project management activities involving assistants, technicians, scholars in order to maintain a good working environment as well as harmony within the team
  • Successfully develop workplan, implement agreed plans and project activities
  • Demonstrate leadership in research in the area of agronomy and farming systems at scale
  • Systematically compile, analyze and interpret data in order to contribute to good quality project reports to donors
  • Lead the development and writing of high impact publications in peer-reviewed journals showcasing the institute’s scientific leadership
  • Represent IRRI to a wide audience by presenting at international conferences/meetings
  • Contribute actively to the strategic planning of the research agenda of the research unit/platform

II. Requirements

  • PhD in relevant discipline with experience in Systems Agronomy
  • Strong back ground in field oriented research and extension activities in the area of agronomy 
  • Experience and knowledge of rice-based systems
  • Prior experience in the field of Agronomy, climate smart agricultural production and rice value chains 
  • Ability to use modern data analytics tools for data driven agronomy including farming systems research at scale
  • Have a mix of practical field skills, quantitative abilities, appreciation of inter-disciplinary work, and a core commitment to achieving science- led agricultural development
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.
  • Good publication records relevant to the position requirement

III. How to Apply?

  • To apply please, click HERE
  • Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • This position will remain open until filled.
  • IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

IV. 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.

 

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