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.

Job Purpose

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) with the support of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, and Farmers’ Welfare has established IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations. Recently the government of India has accorded approval for ISARC phase 2 through MOU with IRRI to implement next phase activities up to 2027. It has three verticals: Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA), Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture (CESA), and Centre of Education, Innovation, and Research for Development (CEIRD).

Under the guidance of the South Asia Breeding lead, IRRI is seeking applications forms for a dynamic and highly innovative Project Scientist- Molecular Pathology for coordination of activities of network project at ISARC and collaborating NAREs partners. He will lead molecular and phenotypic characterization of 3K panel, landraces and donors and molecular breeding efforts to transfer superior haplotypes in the genetic background of mega varieties. Collaborate with project partners towards introgression work and keep participating institutes as well as DBT updated on marker development and crosses attempted. He will contribute to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations by summarizing research findings and draft manuscripts for publication in refereed journals, provide inputs to project reports, prepare posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences and compiling projects reports.

Applicants will work in DBT-supported project at Varanasi.

Roles and Responsibilities

Coordination of disease phenotyping, pest and disease collection and characterization.
Trait mapping activity for pest and disease resistance.
Coordination of pathotyping and whole genome re-sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.
Development of haplotype specific makers to enable haplotype assisted breeding for enhancing the genetic gain model in order to deliver higher rates of genetic gain
Lead the transfer of superior haplotypes through haplotype-based breeding approach in different genetic backgrounds at ISARC and IRRI-SA Hub
Lead the genotyping of mapping populations/germplasm/segregating populations with genome-wide SNPs/haplotype specific markers for all the collaborative NARES and other centers
Actively participate in the strategic planning and research meeting of Rice Breeding Planform and Rice Breeding SA Cluster
Coordinate closely with the IRRI HQ team (RB Platform), IRRI-SA Hub, project partners, other NAREs collaborators, to ensure smooth flow of research activities, effective genotyping and phenotyping of germplasm.
Engage with ISARC to help build capacity in modernizing plant pathology programs and for the effective transfer of knowledge, technology and strategy.
Verify the progress of the research activities as defined by the agreed plans and objectives
Supervise and mentor a team of researchers and support staff
Represent IRRI to a wide audience by presenting at conferences/meetings
Participate/contribute to visits, meetings, workshops, farmers’ fairs, and any such events at ISARC and outside.
Support fund generation activities by contributing to proposal writing and creating new opportunities
Any other tasks as assigned by ISARC Directo

Qualifications

Doctoral Degree in Plant Pathology/Botany/Biotechnology or Master’s Degree Plant Pathology/Botany/Biotechnology from a recognized University or equivalent; and
(ii) Seven years’ experience in Research and Development in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organisations and Scientific activities and services

Skills Required

Mandatory