Job Opportunity for Data Scientist – Interoperability and Data Science Life Cycle at IRRI in India

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) seeks a Data Scientist for its Interoperability and Data Science Life Cycle initiative in India. The role involves developing citizen science approaches for data collection, analyzing large datasets related to climate change and food security, and enhancing digital agriculture platforms. The position aims to support sustainable transformations in food, land, and water systems, and is open to international applications but based in India.
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


DIDX aims to generate research-based evidence and innovative solutions using digital innovations toward the inclusive and sustainable transformation of food, land, and water systems. Through five Work Packages, this initiative is designed to address three Challenge Areas (The Digital Divide, Inadequate Information, and Limited Digital Capabilities) at multiple levels: policymakers and investors, marginalized communities, digital innovators (e.g., digital extension and advisory service providers), and the research for development practitioners (e.g., NARES) across food-land-water systems.


Under the general guidance of the Initiative Work Package leads, the Data Scientist will develop, test, and scale a high-frequency agri-food system monitoring and analytics system, focusing on the climate change, and food security impact area). Design, implement and evaluate novel citizen science approaches for crowdsourcing high frequency data for generating actionable insights for agri-food system actors’ management of climate and market risks.


This position will be based in India and is open for international applications.


Roles and Responsibilities



Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of novel citizen science approaches for crowdsourcing high-frequency data for generating actionable insights for agri-food system actors’ management of climate and market risks
Enable the use of underutilized available data resources across different digital agriculture platforms within the One CGIAR through the application of data science approaches (i.e., generate actionable insights and advisories)
Analyze time series, spatially explicit, large datasets to support the One CGIAR’s research on nutrition, health, and food security using A.I. and machine learning approaches
Contribute to the design and development of frameworks and procedures for standardizing data collection, analysis, and visualization across Work Packages (DIDX WP5)
Contribute in developing strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity development of various stakeholders
Develop and/or Improve methods being used for data acquisition, modeling, prototyping, and deployment to reduce cost and to ensure efficiency
Actively contribute to scientific growth and implementation of digital innovations and transformation
Ensure delivery of initiative outcomes aligned with the One CGIAR’s vision, mission, values, target goals, policies and procedures
Collaborate with national institutions, extension organizations, and private sector partners to develop strategic targeting and tailoring of digital innovations (DIDX WPs 4 and 5) that is aligned with client and donor expectations
Communicate key messages and project progress with donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders
Coordinate closely with project partners and build a relationship with other stakeholders to ensure research outputs are transferred effectively
Develop new projects together with IRRI and One CGIAR colleagues, and other external partners
Manage performance and mentor junior staff within the DIDX initiative.
Maintain and proactively develop network and partnerships with potential donor
Contribute to the realization of the initiative and project key outputs and outcomes
Publish and contribute to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, digests and other relevant publications highlighting research findings to reflect/showcase IRRI’s scientific leadership
Actively seek external funds and secure partnerships for research and development

Qualifications



Advanced degree in Data Science with at least 3 years of work experience in High-frequency data collection, crowdsourcing, data analytics

Skills Required


Mandatory



Experience in developing multidisciplinary data science projects through the Data Science Life Cycle (DSLC; data acquisition, modeling, prototyping, and deployment)
Experience in analyzing time series, spatially explicit, large datasets using A.I. and machine learning approaches
Proficiency in Python (or R) and SQL to access APIs, manipulate data, analyze patterns, draw insights, and visualize findings
Knowledgeable in the implementation the F.A.I.R. (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) workflow and analysis of sensitive human subject data in IRB (Institutional Review Boards)-compliant ways
Proficient in writing technical documents that clearly articulate the methodology, interpretation of findings, and limitations

Preferred



Located in the Initiative’s focus countries in India but working across Initiative’s focus countries and regularly collaborating with local research and development partners

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