About IRRI
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
Within IRRI, the Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Cropping Systems (SIRS) Department pioneers innovative solutions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of rice systems. Soil health and nutrient management are key factors in achieving this goal, as they directly influence both crop productivity and GHG emissions. Within the department, the research unit “Climate-resilient farming systems” is seeking a research technician in the field of “Sustainable Soils” to join a multidisciplinary team of scientists, researchers, and technicians working across Asia and Africa. Under the supervision of the Postdoctoral Fellow in Soil Science, the Research Technician II will, in collaboration with colleagues of IRRI’s Soil laboratory, support ongoing efforts in assessing soil health and improving nutrient management.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Support ongoing efforts to improve and innovate methods for assessing soil health through spectroscopy
- Aid in acquiring infrared spectra for soil and plant samples.
- Conduct conventional wet chemistry analyses (pH, total C and N, available phosphorus, sulfate, etc.)
- Contribute to achieving the laboratory, field, and greenhouse milestones of the Sustainable Soils sub-unit.
- Provide support for laboratory, field, and greenhouse operations to ensure the timely completion of all project activities.
- Support scholars and interns
- Collect, register, and process soil and plant samples for diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis
- Properly archive soil and plant samples for future use
- Maintain cleanliness and order in the spectroscopy laboratory
- Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time
Qualifications
- At least a high school graduate with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience
Skills Required
Mandatory
- Experience in analytical soil laboratory analyses (preparing reagents and standard solutions for soil and water analysis)
- Experience in soil sampling in the fields
- Experience in data collection in the fields
- Experience in entering and recording soil and water analysis data
- Experience in operating and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment
- Basic knowledge of computer use
- Meticulous and a team player
Preferred
- Experience in soil spectroscopy analysis
- Experience in extracting soil samples’ nutrients
- Experience in rice production
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 note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.
