Job ID: HQ01476

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 Philippines 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

The Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) is a major component of the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) that is being established in India by IRRI, with strong support from the Government of India to enhance research and training capability in the South Asian and African regions enabling production of rice with superior grain qualities. Under the general direction of the Scientist, the Associate Scientist will conceptualize, plan and conduct research studies including activities such as preparation, improvement and/or development of necessary research tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation. The role involves working closely with collaborating partner(s), exchanging information and presenting research findings (in seminars, conferences, publications). The Associate Scientist will also coordinate and prepare training sessions for a range of people, supervise, train and guide scholars, on-the-job trainees, researchers and research technicians. The Associate Scientist will work widely across grain quality and nutritional components covering bioactives, vitamins, amino acids, and food safety aspects with a major focus on LC-MS based techniques, to contribute significantly to the research and service missions of CERVA.

The position will be based at ISARC, Varanasi, India

Roles and Responsibilities

Purpose

• To plan and design multiple experiments and research studies in the field of biochemistry of rice grain using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
• Execute planned research activities using LC-MS on targeted analysis of small molecules including primary and secondary metabolites, and pesticide residues.
• Develop/implement appropriate protocols for the targeted analysis of nutritional quality parameters using LC-MS as per the requirements which mainly includes bioactives (flavonoid, anthocyanins etc), vitamins, amino acids, and food safety measures requires targeted testing for a number of pesticides.
• Prepare research plan, experimental design, statistical design, and timeframe of the research activities and deliverables.
• Learn and implement novel analytical technologies related to LC-MS for evaluating the nutritional properties of rice grain and estimating food safety.
• Ensure smooth functioning of the LC-MS laboratory by organizing research requirements like procuring all the necessary materials and routine maintenance of the equipment.
• Train and supervise technicians, interns, students on sample preparation for experiments, standard solution, buffer preparation, equipment handling etc.
• Assist scientists, Post-Doctoral Fellows, students and/or trainees in preparing reports and summarizing the research outputs.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOP) as per the requirements and follow all the existing SOPs of laboratory.
• Interpret the outcome of the experimental results/data using appropriate statistical tools and providing timely outputs.
• Contribute to the scientific publication in peer reviewed journals and report writings.
• Coordinate with the quality manager of the laboratory on different aspects of ISO 17025 and help in the implementation and adherence to the policies and SOPs established in the laboratory.
• Act as key resource person for training courses and attending visitors. Supervise the work of Assistant Scientists, Ph.D. scholars, Researchers and/or Research Technicians.

Engagement

• Meet with project leaders and/or collaborators to discuss the scope of specific research areas in the laboratory.
• Closely coordinate with the Head of Grain Quality and Nutrition Centre at IRRI Headquarters and key scientist(s) at CERVA to develop new projects to strengthen research in the area of rice grain quality.
• Present research studies at seminars and/or conferences (local/international)
• Guide/coach researchers, technicians, scholars and interns.
• Mentor team members in the process of establishing and maintaining experiment(s)
• Prepare training materials and acts as a resource person in training within and outside IRRI.
• Organize and coordinate trainings for on-job trainees and interns.
• Contribute to professional service activities such as strategic committees or task forces etc.
• Act as resource person for training courses and visitors.
• Supervise the work of Researchers and/or Research Technicians.

Delivery

• Manage other activities such as services sourced out from other units and /or contractors.
• Ensure that research procedures follow the experimental protocol as described in the outline.
• Consolidate, verify and analyze collected data using appropriate advanced statistical tools independently.
• Draw conclusions from the research studies.
• Prepare reports, scientific papers, articles, posters, database for publication and presentation.
• Responsible for the professional development of Researchers.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry or any other relevant subject and 3 years relevant work experience in preferably in rice grain quality OR

PhD degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry or any other relevant subject and 1-year experience preferably in rice grain quality or Equivalent training / experience

Skills Required

Mandatory:

• Proven Technical proficiency in conducting research experiments
• Experience in contributing to research publications, presentations or related areas
• Excellent analytical skills in chemical and biochemical lab environments
• Skills in implementing quality assurance tools
• Experience in research management
• Experience in leading a small research team
• Experience in chromatographic and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric techniques.

Preferred:

• Analytical skills in nutritional quality and safety evaluation of grains.

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 transport allowance of INR 5,000
• 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!

To apply

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

IRRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.