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 (GHGs). Technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of rice and increase resilience of rice-based systems exist, but uptake of such technologies is often 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 the Senior Scientist II, the Associate Scientist for Climate Change will be conducting GHG field experiments and GHG assessments as well as working with country partners on establishing effective Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems and provide technical support for the implementation of IRRI’s agricultural and climate change projects in Thailand. This will involve – but is not limited to - GHG measurements in rice-based systems, collection and analysis of farm management data, piloting new relevant tools together with partners, and assessing the use of innovative instruments, equipment and approaches for GHG monitoring.

The successful applicant should have demonstrated experience and a proven track record of conducting similar research or projects related to low-emission rice farming systems, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming technologies and practices, etc.

Apart from research, the position also requires close collaboration with Thai government partners, most important departments and research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), International partners, and other relevant stakeholders.

We are looking for an independent and dedicated researcher with experience and willingness to work across different cultural contexts with a focus on Thailand with opportunities to contribute to work in other countries in Asia.

This position will be based in the IRRI Thailand Office in Bangkok, Thailand and is only open for applications from Thai nationals.

• Manage the design, implementation and execution of research activities in the field of agro-environmental science with an emphasize on GHG emissions from rice-based agricultural systems
• Support the implementation of the MRV pilot sites to ensure quality of activity data, well managed database, and smooth operation of an MRV system
• Support the design, development and pilot of measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) tools for rice in Thailand
• Conduct GHG assessments on different spatial scales through thorough data gathering and analysis
• Support monitoring and evaluation of GHG mitigation measures with the help of GHG calculation tools
• Contribute to other project activities such as workshops, meetings and capacity building events
• Contribute to research communication in a broad range of research products, such as peer-reviewed journals, communication materials, reports, policy briefs and presentations for national and international conferences
• Coordinates with IRRI staff and stakeholders in the implementation of research activities
• Align with internal and external stakeholders to effectively manage the implementation of the experiments and other related research studies
• Regularly consult and coordinate with supervisors, project partners and collaborators to ensure smooth execution of research studies
• Develop and sustain partnerships and nurture effective relationships with various international and NARES partners and key government partners
• Provide capacity building in terms of GHG measurement, analysis, interpretation and QA/QC to partners
• Elevate project results to outcomes and integrate results and lessons learnt in other projects
• Timely submission of high-quality reports, papers, articles, posters, databases, graphics and slide decks for publications and presentations in the local and international events
• Proactively provide recommendations to new processes and/or improvement(s) to secure efficient performance
• Recommend interventions to resolve appearing difficulties and setbacks, e.g. through technical errors, and/or other issues that affect the successful completion of the research study
• Review existing course of actions, develop work plan, set milestones and supervise the implementation of research activities
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

• Master’s degree in agronomy, environment, sustainable natural resource management, and/or related fields with at least 3 years’ experience in relevant research

Mandatory

• Experience in agronomic research and strong analytical skills
• Knowledge around climate change impacts on rice and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture
• Good oral and written communication skills including report writing and presentation skills in English
• Excellent interpersonal skills, motivated and curious with interest to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural team
• Strong character, multitasking person and able to work independently and under pressure
• Pro-actively generating creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations
  

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience in data management and analysis
• Experience in conducting training events
• Demonstrated capacity to publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals

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.