Scientist I - Agronomy

About the Company

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 headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, with offices in 17 rice-growing countries and over 1,000 staff.

Job Purpose

Under the minimal supervision of the Senior Scientist II and IRRI Representative in Thailand, the Scientist I - Agronomist will act as the technical lead for the project 'Advancing Climate-Smart Technologies to Strengthening Rice Farming in Thailand'. The role aims to facilitate transformational change in the Thai rice sector by empowering vulnerable smallholder farmers to make informed decisions under climate change and enabling access to climate-smart farming technologies. The incumbent will lead verification of new agronomic technologies, adapt their application to local contexts, and conduct rigorous studies and testing of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), digital and precision agriculture technologies, and improved rice residue management.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of project activities and provide guidance to project staff and consultants
• Coordinate with IRRI scientists in HQ and other country offices to leverage scientific inputs
• Ensure project activities are executed efficiently and effectively, meeting timelines and quality standards
• Together with the project manager/coordinator, lead development of work plans and manage resources
• Lead preparation of project narratives, progress reports, and other documents as needed
• Support organization of regional exchange events and high-level policy dialogues/fora
• Oversee field experiments, trials, and field validation; conduct technically sound data collection, analysis, and reporting in a timely manner
• Work with IRRI scientists to implement agricultural research-for-development activities in Thailand
• Provide agronomic oversight to project partners, public/private research organisations, farmers, and collaborators
• Collaborate with national and international partner institutions, private sector partners, and research institutes for project implementation
• Initiate and maintain productive engagement with partners, clients, and stakeholders; provide evidence on policy issues relevant to low-emission and climate-resilient rice-based systems
• Communicate key messages and project progress to donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders
• Engage with project staff and research partners on implementation of precision solutions and agricultural techniques relevant to project activities
• Foster close collaboration and alignment with colleagues at IRRI Headquarters and other country offices
• Maintain active communication with staff in the Thailand Office, other country offices, and HQ to align activities
• Assist the IRRI Representative in Thailand in preparing reports and documents as required
• Write reports, produce scientifi

Qualifications

The successful applicant should have demonstrated experience and a proven track record conducting research or projects related to low-emission rice farming systems, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient farming technologies and practices. The applicant is expected to have domain expertise in agriculture and agronomy, analytical skills to interpret and publish results from adaptive research, and the ability to present findings in fora, workshops, and conferences. Development of new funding proposals is an essential part of the position. The role requires close collaboration with Thai government partners (including MOAC departments and research institutes), international partners, the private sector, and relevant stakeholders. IRRI is seeking an independent and dedicated scientist willing to work across different cultural contexts with a focus on Thailand; the position is based at the IRRI Thailand Office, Bangkok, and is open to international applicants.