Associate Scientist – Environmental Science

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

Climate Change impacts rice production through exacerbated and more frequent climate extremes. At the same time rice fields are a large emitter of greenhouse gases. Technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of rice exist but uptake of such technologies is slow. Working with various national and international partners in different projects, IRRI develops strategies to increase the level of adoption of climate-smart technologies in rice production. This task needs a concerted approach of an inter-disciplinary team of experts. The Thai Rice NAMA project facilitates the implementation of a set of low-emission technologies in six provinces of Thailand. Greenhouse gas mitigation is the main key performance indicator. A sound monitoring system that ensures high quality data and a skilled team of technicians is crucial for the project ME&L as well as for scientific advances. This position is for a 3-year contract and will be based at the IRRI Vietnam office in Hanoi, Vietnam and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Vietnam.

Roles and Responsibilities

Manage the design, implementation and execution of research activities in the field of environmental science with an emphasize on GHG emissions from rice-based agricultural systems.
Support monitoring and evaluation of GHG mitigation measures with the help of GHG calculation tools.
Develop guidelines for monitoring, reporting and evaluation of GHG mitigation options and targets.
Synthesize and verify quality of data and interpret research findings based on the defined objective.
Define measures to support reliable GHG quantification from field measurements .
Represent IRRI and the specific project component at various events, meetings and workshops.
Provide extensive capacity building in terms of GHG measurement, analysis, interpretation and QA/QC to Thai project partners.
Develop training materials for GHG mitigation technologies.
Supervise research officers, technicians and trainers in order to define the scope of research activities and harmonize the undertakings of the team(s) assigned in districts.
Update project partners, donors and relevant IRRI groups on progress in a timely manner.
Elevate project results to outcomes and integrate results and lessons learnt in other projects.
Deliver timely reports to project partners and relevant IRRI staff .
Prepare and assure quality of project reports and papers for presentation at policy and academic forums and publication in scientific journals.
Proactively provide recommendations to new processes and/or improvement(s) to secure efficient performance including operational manuals and review of standard operating procedures (SOP).
Recommend interventions to resolve appearing difficulties such as setbacks through technical errors, license and/or other complex issues that affect the successful completion of the research study.
Oversee the implementation of data management to guarantee quality data, data back up and data integrity.
Review existing course of actions, develop work plan, set milestones and supervise the implementation of research activities

Qualifications

Master Degree in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Soil Science or other related discipline with minimum 6 years relevant work experience or
PhD Degree in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, or other related discipline with 2-3 relevant experience.

Skills Required

Has proven technical proficiency in designing and conducting environmental research
Has experience contributing to research publications, presentations and reports
Has excellent analytical skills using advanced statistical tools
Has implemented Quality Control/Assurance tools
Is familiar with gas chromatography and GHG measurements in agriculture
Has experience with research management
Has excellent communication skills
Can work independently as well as lead a multi-cultural team

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. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been hired.

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Tags: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)