About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization 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.

Job Purpose

IRRI has established a new Direct-Seeded Rice Consortium (DSRC) in 2018 – a public-private multi-stakeholder R4D platform on direct-seeded rice (DSR). The overall goal of the DSRC is to develop, refine, and catalyze widespread adoption of science-based sustainable rice production systems in Asia through mechanized and precise DSR. The incumbent will assist the senior scientist in conducting field trials, training, and research activities at IRRI ISARC farm in Varanasi and at various collaborative centers of DSRC. The person will also assist in data collection, engage with the farmers and there capacity building. S/he would be involved in other activities of other projects in eastern India which aims at increasing productivity and profitability of small and marginal farmers in the rice-based cropping system.

Under the close supervision of the Assistant Scientist, provide basic support in the implementation of the extension activities, day to day management of experimental research farm, data collection, and encoding for the report, application of fertilizers, weedicides/herbicides/pesticides, monitoring of crop health. The incumbent shall help/assist in the implementation and accomplishment of the lab experiments, organize glassware, sample processing, chemical preparation, chemical analysis and instrument handling. H/Se would help in providing support to conduct various field activities, collect data from demonstrations, experiments and encode data for reporting.

This position will be based at the IRRI South Asia Research Center (ISARC) at Varanasi, UP and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India.

Roles and Responsibilities

Purpose

• Execute routine field, screen house, greenhouse and laboratory operations including field preparation and maintenance, crop management, plant sampling as well as harvest, post – harvest seed processing to seed warehousing and material transfer, to support project requirements.
• Perform basic field and laboratory experimental activities (i.e. sample processing and storage, glassware management, chemical preparation) ensuring compliance with IRRI SOPs, guidelines and protocols;
• Carry out on-station/ on-farm trials and other field activities under various objectives including operation and maintenance of farm implements and machinery.

Engagement

• Provide timely, consistent and accurate information to direct supervisor/requestor to ensure smooth flow of research activities (i.e. timely completion of all field operations, availability and purchase of supplies, the presence of pest and diseases for immediate pesticide application) and that research objective and SOPs are followed.
• Provide on-field support to scholars, students, researchers and scientists in establishing field experiments.
• Provide support to requestors in facilitating their field operations and material transfer requests;

Delivery:

• Under close supervision of the lead, operate machinery and equipment to deliver service and experimental support as per request;
• Collect data and ensure correct encoding on the assigned database;
• Operate project vehicle to transport staff and supplies to and from the field.
• Support in imparting the information to the farmers.
• Assist in the training and senitization programs on weedicides/herbicides application, fertilizer management, micro irrigation etc.
• Maintain supply inventory and indicate when research supplies and materials need to be procured
• Support the collection of data from on-farm experimentation and demonstration.
• Record and encode basic data for reporting and analysis.

Qualifications: Intermediate with minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in field and research Farm.

Skills Required:

Mandatory:

• Experience in office related work
• Experience in data collection
• Basic knowledge of MS Office programs such as Word and Excel
• Has valid driving license of two and four wheelers

Preferred:

• Experience in rice production, managing experiments in the field and laboratory
• A tractor divining license

Source:https://www.irri.org/talentlink/details.html?nPostingID=1137&nPostingTargetID=2199&option=52&sort=DESC&respnr=1&ID=Q7LFK026203F3VBQB79QWQWAS&Resultspe...