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
The National Consultant – Microbiology will be a full-time consultancy position based in Can Tho City, Vietnam, providing technical and scientific support to IRRI-led research activities on microbiology and biofertilization under the USDA – Fertilize Right Project.
The consultancy aims to strengthen IRRI’s research capacity in Vietnam by supporting the design, implementation, monitoring, and analysis of field and laboratory experiments related to beneficial microorganisms, rice straw decomposition, soil health improvement, and innovative fertilizers for rice-based systems in the Mekong River Delta.
Working closely with IRRI scientists, project partners, and local stakeholders, the consultant will contribute to high-quality research outputs, capacity building, and the development of science-based solutions to promote sustainable rice production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Contract Duration: 12 months, from 01 February 2026 to 01 February 2027.
Roles and Responsibilities
The consultant will work closely with IRRI researchers and partners to carry out the following tasks, including but not limited to:
• Supervise and support ongoing field and laboratory experiments related to microbiology and biofertilization, particularly on rice straw decomposition and soil health improvement;
• Collect, manage, and analyze data from field trials and laboratory experiments conducted in Can Tho and other locations in the Mekong River Delta;
• Support research activities on innovative fertilizers and biofertilizers, including at least one field experiment on fertilizer performance;
• Contribute to the development of technical packages, guidelines, and training materials related to microbiology, innovative fertilizers, and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in rice systems;
• Contribute to scientific outputs, including technical reports and research publications, in collaboration with IRRI scientists;
• Participate in field visits, coordination meetings, and communication with project partners and stakeholders as required.
Qualifications
• PhD degree in Microbiology or a closely related field;
• Proven experience in microbiology research, preferably related to agriculture, soil science, or rice-based systems;
• Experience in conducting field and laboratory experiments and preparing scientific and technical reports;
• Prior experience working with research institutions, international projects, or development organizations is an advantage.
Skills Required
• Strong knowledge of microbiology and biofertilization;
• Experience in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis;
• Scientific writing and reporting skills, including contribution to peer-reviewed publications;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team;
• Good communication skills in Vietnamese and/or English.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field sites in the Mekong River Delta. 
