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 Baรฑos, 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
Climate Change impacts rice production through exacerbated and more frequent climate extremes. At the same time rice fields are a large emitter of greenhouse gases. Technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of rice exist but uptake of such technologies is slow. Working with various national and international partners in different projects, IRRI develops strategies to increase the level of adoption of climate-smart technologies in rice production. This task needs a concerted approach of an inter-disciplinary team of experts.
Under the minimal supervision of a senior scientist, the Agronomist-Precision Agriculture will be responsible for designing, leading, conducting, and evaluating agronomic field experiments and field trials on climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies and practices in rice-based systems and providing analysis of information to support the implementation of IRRIโs agricultural and climate change projects in Thailand. He/she will be further responsible for the management and analysis of project/research data sets and research support where necessary.
The successful applicant will lead the application of digital technology to rice farming systems agronomy, related agronomy and field tasks in a project that aims to facilitate a transformational change in the Thai rice sector by empowering vulnerable smallholder farmers to make improved decisions in the face of climate change and enable access to climate-smart farming technologies, advancing climate-smart rice farming through the development, demonstration, validation, and dissemination of innovative technologies. The intervention is projected to significantly decrease methane emissions and water usage from rice farming in Thailand, while also boosting farmersโ overall climate resilience. The focus is on the verification of new agronomic technologies that could support climate-smart approaches in the Thai rice sector and adapting their application to the local context. This encompasses rigorous studies and testing of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) according to predefined research
methodologies, digital and precision agriculture technologies, and improved rice residue management.
The successful applicant should have demonstrated experience and a proven track record of conducting similar research or projects related to climate-smart rice farming systems, precision agriculture technologies and services, digital agriculture, crop management and diversification, sustainable agriculture practices, resilience in agricultural production, etc. The applicant is also expected to have domain area expertise in conducting field experiments, field trials/testing and knowledge of precision and/or digital agriculture technologies.
This position will be based at the IRRI Bangkok Office in Thailand and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Thailand.
Roles and Responsibilities
Provide agronomic oversight to project partners, collaborations, public/private research organizations, farmers, etc. Use digital technologies, platforms, and solutions to accelerate learning and advise on best practices for climate-smart rice farming systems Implement digital agriculture practices that improve the sustainability of rice farming and productivity Perform field experiments, field trials and field validation, and conduct technically sound data collection, analysis, and reporting in a timely manner Support training for partners, service providers and other stakeholders on precision agronomic tools, sustainable practices, and innovative techniques, ensuring they are well-equipped to optimize their operations Support internal evaluations of project progress at different stages of development and suggest improvements if needed Engage with project staff and research partners on the implementation of precision solutions, agricultural techniques and technologies relevant to project activities Foster close collaboration, interaction and alignment with colleagues at IRRI Headquarters and other country offices Assist the IRRI Representative in Thailand in preparing different types of reports and documents as required Assist in facilitating the organization of and participating in different seminars, conferences and coordination meetings Contribute to the development and publishing of scientific articles and reports (mostly in English) Maintain in-depth knowledge of precision agriculture technologies and provide analysis of information to support project implementation Assist in facilitating mid-term and end-of-term project review Deliver and communicate data, research outcomes, and recommendations to the project team, partners, to facilitate implementation of findings and delivery of impact to rice industry and publication of scientific papers Support the development of relevant manuals and training materialsQualifications
Bachelorโs degree in Agronomy, Agriculture Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, or an agriculture-related discipline with minimum 4 years of professional experience in the application of precision agricultural technologies directed at agronomic and/or farming systems research or; Masterโs degree in Agronomy, Agriculture Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, or an agriculture-related discipline with a minimum 1 year of professional experience in the application of precision agricultural technologies directed at agronomic and/or farming systems research Experience working in the field of agricultural research and/or in international organizations Experience with digital technologies in sustainable agriculture (operating, testing, developing, and adapting) with various aspects such as application of sensors, drones, big data acquisition, machine-learning, systems modelling and analysis or other computer/web-based/mobile-app informaticsSkills Required Mandatory
Strong understanding of conducting field experiments, field evaluation, field data collection and analysis Knowledge of field trial methodology and data analysis Has demonstrated experience in research and field experiments and analytical skills Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as well as interpersonal skills Experience in writing reports in English Proficient user of digital tools and computer software packages related to agriculture Able to work independently with minimal supervision Strong problem-solving and analytical skills Preferred Proficiency in using precision agriculture technologies, software and equipment Capable of performing in-field tasks, experience in experimental design, conducting field experiments, data collection, data analysis Experience working with mobile and/or web-based applications Knowledge of field/farm equipment, soil sampling, GHG data collection, etc.
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.