- 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 Baos, 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 with the support of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is establishing IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (I-SARC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 

- It will be a centre of excellence in rice research and training and will provide real benefit to farmers not only in India but also across SAARC, ASEAN and Sub-Saharan Africa in mitigating the risk of climate change.

- Under the I-SARC, IRRI will be able to fine tune the innovative technology for stress-prone areas, and further varietal improvement shall boost farmers- incomes by enhancing and supporting rice productivity, reducing the cost of production, value addition, diversification, and enhancement of farmers- skills.

Under the close supervision of the Associate Scientist/Farm Manager :

a). Perform laboratory procedures and management and data documentation for analysis,

 b). Establish, oversee, and monitor field/greenhouse experiments and perform data collection and recording.

This position will be based at the IRRI South Asia Regional Center at Varanasi, UP.

Roles and Responsibilities :

Purpose :

- Perform laboratory procedures for routine chemical analysis in wet and dry labs for plant, soil, water and microbiology analysis

- Prepare (samples, solutions, standards, and/or chemicals) and perform sample handling, inspection, and documentation

- Prepare materials needed for laboratory analysis (e.g. reagents, buffers, media preparation, stock solution) following standard protocols

- Assist in the methodology development and validation

- Oversee, monitor, and implement day-to-day operations/activities in the research field, greenhouse, screen house experiment to meet standards of quality assurance

- Prepare materials to be used in field/greenhouse/screen house experiments (e.g. Pots, soil, fertilizer nutrient solution, labels)

- Monitor pests and diseases and make timely requests for experiment station monitoring to determine if spraying is needed

- Supervise and handle plant/soil/water sample processing (e.g. drying weighing, counting, grinding) and storage;

- Assessment of damage and data collection

- Support scholars, students, researchers and scientists in establishing field experiments

Engagement

- Operate and perform daily preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and conduct good housekeeping on assigned work area in lab and research farm

- In close supervision operate instruments, farm machinery, and implements to deliver service and experimental support as per request

- Ensure a ready supply of reagents, stock solutions, and laboratory consumables

- Maintain and repair or arrange for repair of equipment/instruments

- Maintain supply inventory and ensure timely availability of research, lab supplies, and materials;

- Collect, encode, document and submit data for analysis

- Provide timely, consistent and accurate information to direct supervisor/requester to ensure smooth flow of research activities

- Maintain a safe and efficient working environment through reporting all incidents, near misses, and suggesting possible solutions in order to improve operations and systems

Delivery :

- Proper maintenance of experimental operations (lab and field)

- Data compilation and proofreading

- Maintain a strict schedule for laboratory activities and delegate tasks

- Disposal of chemical wastes

- Process raw data from instrument run

- Lead and oversee the work of Research Technicians, contract workers and on job trainees during field/screen house/greenhouse operations

- Operate vehicle to transport other staff and contract workers to the site and to get supplies;

- Inoculate and assess microbial culture for further study

- Calibrate lab equipment and exposure to farm machinery

Qualifications :

- Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Agricultural science/Biology/Botany or related field with minimum 3 years work experience in laboratory and/or experimental farm management

Or

- Master's degree in Agricultural science/Life science or related field with minimum 1 years work experience in laboratory and/or experimental farm management

Skills Required :

Mandatory :

- Basic knowledge of MS Office programs or related software

- Has laboratory experience in the plant, soil, and water analysis

- Has hands-on experience in basic instrumentation

- Experience in rice production, is able to be active with associates in field condition, to work independently and with little guidance

- Possess valid four & two wheeler driving license

Preferred :

- Experience in quality assurance as applied in plant science lab

- Experience in managing experiments in the field, and laboratory

Allowances :

- House Rent Allowance - IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.

- Transport Allowance - A monthly transport allowances are provided to NRS as follows: Job level 3: INR 2,000

- 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 annual/vacation leave

Education Allowance - INR 1,000/- per child per month (limited to 2 children)

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