Job ID: HQ01819

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

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an independent, non-profit and world’s premier research organization dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through our work and partnerships, we aim to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa

To support this effort, the Project Assistant will play a crucial role in executing field-level activities essential for phenotyping and validating approximately 3,500 inbred rice lines. This includes assisting in the maintenance of experimental populations, such as DSR biparental mapping populations and Haplo-NILs, and managing field trials across seasons

The position offers an excellent opportunity for early-career agricultural professionals to engage in practical, research-based fieldwork and contribute to innovations in rice breeding that address food security and crop resilience challenges. The role is field-intensive and vital for generating the phenotypic data required to validate genomic tools developed under the project

This position will be based at the IRRI India Office, Varanasi, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the India.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in large-scale field phenotyping of rice inbred lines to support the validation of the HaploPanel
• Support the maintenance and management of rice germplasm and breeding populations used for genotyping and trait analysis
• Help collect and organize field data that contributes to trait mapping and diversity assessment efforts
• Coordinate with researchers and technical teams to ensure smooth execution of field trials and validation experiments
• Contribute to the practical implementation of breeding strategies by supporting field-based genomic research activities
• The Project Assistant is expected to ensure timely and accurate execution of lab and field experiments
• Collection and documentation of phenotypic data, and maintenance of rice germplasm
• The role contributes to the successful generation of high-quality data that supports the validation of the HaploPanel and advances project outcomes
• Any other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• Graduation in Agriculture or related discipline with 1–2 years of
  work experience in agricultural research or field operations
• A provisional degree at the time of joining is acceptable

Skills Required

Mandatory:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow scientific protocols
• Ability to work independently and in team settings under field conditions
• Good communication and organizational skills

Preferred:

• Experience in molecular breeding in rice
• work experience in agricultural research or field operations
• Experience in rice cultivation, field phenotyping, or working in research projects. Familiarity with data recording and basic computer operations is a plus

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 click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.