IRRI: Researcher – Field and Laboratory Field Operations, Molecular Biology, Research Support – Los Banos

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is seeking a Researcher for Field and Laboratory Operations in Molecular Biology at its headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines. The role involves executing laboratory and field activities, including DNA extraction, PCR, and managing breeding nurseries. Responsibilities include supervising hybridization in greenhouses, maintaining laboratory operations, and collaborating on research activities. This position is only open to permanent citizens of the Philippines.
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

Under the guidance of Researchers and/or Scientists, execute day-to-day operations for field and laboratory activities. Laboratory activities include the preparation of reagents, leaf sampling, DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (AGE), Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), pollen cytology testing, and other microscopy experiments. Field activities primarily involves the management and operation of some key three line breeding nurseries such as the testcross nursery and backcross nursery for the identification and development of new CMS (A line), Maintainer (B line), and Restorer (R ) lines, including but not limited to, field maintenance, data collection, encoding, and other relevant research activities. Ensure proper maintenance of the experiment operations, as required by the institute protocols, including maintenance of storage and preparation of supplies, reagents, property, and material inventory, cleanliness, orderliness, and safety, preparation of commonly used reagents and chemicals, as well as waste disposal, biosafety, and ETS

compliance.

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

Execute day-to-day wet laboratory operations including phenotyping, leaf sampling, DNA extraction, PCR, AGE/PAGE experiments and other relevant DNA downstream experiments

Manage, operate and maintain the Cytology Laboratory as the hub for pollen-sampling activities, including, but not limited to, the gathering of pollen samples, slide preparation of samples, microscopic examination and scoring of the pollen samples in the laboratory

Supervise the manual hybridization work in the greenhouse to produce 2-line and 3-line testcrosses and backcross progenies, including encoding the lists of parents and crosses produced from each appropriate nursery into the Enterprise Breeding System

Prepare a list of all testcrosses, backcrosses, and other intervarietal crosses produced at the end of the breeding season

Participate in the Greenhouse Gases experiment field and laboratory activities

Undertake other field and greenhouse experiments and activities as assigned

Collaborate with the supervisor regarding the identification of the appropriate progenies for manual hybridization as the first step to develop new A & B lines

Communicate with internal partners and collaborators to exchange conceptual ideas and to effectively gather feedback for the advancement of assigned projects

Work closely with research technicians in order to maintain smooth conduct of field and greenhouse experiments, data compilation, as well as to foster a productive working environment

Coordinate with the required IRRI units for supplies and other services to ensure the smooth implementation of experiments

Provide timely, consistent and accurate information to the direct supervisor to ensure that research objectives and SOPs are followed

Support scholars, students, and scientists in data gathering for both molecular and field activities.

Maintain accurate data recording and update the database for efficient storage and retrieval of information

Prepare and submit research outputs to the Scientist in a timely manner

Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with guidance from the Scientist

Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science Graduate in Agriculture or relevant field with at least

three years of experience

Skills Required

Mandatory

Has expertise on leaf sampling, DNA extraction, and other downstream processes, including but not limited to, PCR, PAGE, AGE etc.

Has experience in handling pollen samples/microscopy/cytology

Has basic to advanced knowledge of MS Office, especially MS Excel

Knows the basics and principles of breeding nurseries

Preferred

Has experience in tissue culture

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements