Job
Description
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 Sustainable Impact through Rice-based cropping Systems (SIRS) Department aims at developing and promoting climate-smart, nature-friendly rice-based farming systems and value chains. Within the Department, the research unit Adaptive Agronomy deals specifically with cropping systems analysis, agronomy, mechanization and postharvest, soil science, natural resource management and pest ecology and management. The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, India, is a regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations. ISARC also works closely with private millers, agricultural machinery manufacturers, and civil society organizations to scale up innovations in rice value chains. At ISARC, and within CESA’ (Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture, which is one of ISARC three three pillar units) mechanization and postharvest subunit, a Postdoctoral Fellow research position is open in the field of ‘mechanization and postharvest’ (see ‘purpose’ below), which will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists to develop, promote and scale improved mechanization and postharvest practices and interventions in South Asia and Africa. This position will be based in Varanasi India and is open for international applications. Roles and Responsibilities The Postdoctoral Fellow will support driving the research for development (R4D) program on climate-smart mechanization and postharvest technologies/innovations for rice-based production systems in South Asia including punctual interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Contribute to the mitigation of climate change and/or to adaptation to the effects of climate change Lead mechanization activities to support a shift from transplanting/conventional planting methods to direct seeding systems Support adoption and scaling of novel diversified cropping, residue management practices (e.g., to reduce straw burning), utilization of residues (e.g., for mushroom production, compost and biochar production) Support co-creation and development of advanced and precision farming systems (drones, AI/robotics, etc.) for better management of natural resources (land, water, soil, etc.), weeds/diseases/pests’ control and greenhouse gas reduction globally Manage the performance of other Fellows, Assistant Scientists, Researchers, as well as interns and trainees to maintain a harmonious and productive working environment Support developing strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity development of various stakeholders Coordinate the collaboration with NARES partners, private sector and development partners, advanced research institutions (ARI) and policymakers in South Asia to conduct joint research Coordinate the implementation of the project with the guidance of the supervisor; Active engagement and linkage with local manufacturers, dealers, farmers & associations, FPOs/FPCs/KVKs/PSPs, finance institutions, state and national authorities (functionaries/DA/SAU) at project implementation level Visit national/international agricultural machinery expos to gather novelty in the sector and keep knowledge and expertise up to date Actively eying on future trends on disruptive agricultural mechanization and postharvest technologies for smallholder farmers and scale appropriate farming systems (AI, drones, autonomous, integration/aggregation, robotics, etc.) Support the delivery of climate-smart mechanization and postharvest technologies in rice-based ecologies in India and other South Asian and African countries Contribute to the subunit outputs/outcomes delivery Develop training materials, manuals and presentations Oversee the mechanization hub and machinery inventory at ISARC Support the hub expansion plan (workshop and new machines) Support the deployment of new innovations to ISARC and to farmers Accountable for on station/farm trial establishment, data collection and analysis Provide training (technical and business) for farmers, NARES, scientists and other key stakeholders and partners; Support the development and promotion of scaling approaches, business models, and partnerships with public and private sector parties, equipment manufacturers and service providers (PSPs, KVKs, FPOs/FPCs) Contribute to the writing of proposals, reports, scientific papers, articles, posters, database for publications, presentations and others as per supervisors’ request/assignment Qualifications Ph.D. in agricultural engineering or related field with a minimum of 1 year of experience in working on mechanization and postharvest practices, including rice value chain Experience in grant proposal development and IRRI budget composition Experience in networking, strategic partnership with agricultural machinery manufacturers, engineering institutes/universities, training organizations/centres, scaling institutions, KVKs/FPOs/FPCs and Indian government bodies (DA, etc.) Skills Required Mandatory Strong background in field-oriented research and extension activities Have a mix of practical field skills, quantitative abilities; appreciation of interdisciplinary work, and a core commitment to achieving science-led agricultural mechanization development Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills Join our team and be part of our story! Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This position will remain open until filled. Job Reference: HQ01815
