Position announcement for

Plant Breeder for Drought Stresses

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is seeking a plant breeder to be a member of its internationally recruited staff. IRRI, supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (), is a nonprofit, autonomous organization engaged in research and training on rice-related technology. Interested candidates can learn more about IRRI and its activities by visiting . The position will be based in the Institute’s Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Division, with an initial appointment of 3 years and renewable for subsequent multi-year contracts. Renewal is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The successful candidate will focus on breeding for water-limited environments, including drought-prone lowlands, favorable uplands, and irrigated aerobic systems.

Responsibilities

As part of IRRI’s multidisciplinary research team, the breeder will

  • Develop improved germplasm for drought-prone rainfed lowland environments.
  • Develop efficient screening systems for drought tolerance and weed competitiveness, in collaboration with physiologists and weed scientists.
  • Identify genes/QTLs for use in marker-assisted selection for drought-related traits.
  • Develop and evaluate rice germplasm for aerobic and favorable upland conditions where water shortages limit yields.
  • Collaborate with scientists from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) and from developed countries on drought-related research.
  • Coordinate and provide support NARES’ breeding programs through networks and/or consortia.
  • Develop externally funded projects to support the relevant research and the networks.
  • Contribute to IRRI’s research and training on breeding methods for marginal environments.

Qualifications

Candidates should have 1) a PhD in plant breeding, genetics or an allied discipline, with at least 5 years of experience in plant breeding or genetics; 2) experience with the use of molecular markers, and 3) interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and sensitivities to a cross-cultural work environment, and skills in developing molecular markers will be an advantage. The position requires extensive international and regional travel.

Perquisites and IRRI environment

IRRI, located at Los Baños, 70 kilometers south of Manila, Philippines, offers salary and perquisites that are internationally competitive including support for education of children, car and housing at reasonable rental rates, and medical and retirement benefits. IRRI provides a gender-sensitive environment and welcomes women applicants. Citizens of developing countries, particularly rice-producing countries, are encouraged to apply. The Institute is committed to assisting families in making personal and, to the extent possible, professional adjustments to the local environment. IRRI has an accredited international school (pre-K to grade 5) and, excellent preparatory schools for younger children are available locally.

Applications

Send comprehensive curriculum vitae and names and email addresses of three referees to:

Ms. Selene M. Ocampo

Officer-HR Coordination

International Rice Research Institute

DAPO Box 777,

Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: (63-2) 891-1292/580-5600

Fax: (63-2) 580-5699

Email:

Applications will be accepted until 24 April 2006.