Assistant Scientist

IITA-TZ-2025 – IRRI-008 -NRS- UYOLE

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on behalf of the International Rice Research Institute(IRRI) invites applications for the position of Assistant Scientist.

Background: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is a nonprofit independent research and training organization. IRRI is a member of the Consultative Group of International Agricultural research (CGIAR) Consortium.

Under the minimal supervision of the Scientist the Assistant Scientist will assist in the design of experiment(s), survey(s) and other research studies according to Organizational Unit specific project goals and research objectives. Manage the implementation of defined research activities. Evaluate and validate experimental data and contribute to reports and manuscript for peer-reviewed publications as well as presentations/posters for national and international conferences. Supervise, coach and guide scholars, on the job trainees, researchers and research technicians. Coordinate and prepare training sessions for a variety of stakeholders. Support the Seed Systems Lead in strengthening seed systems and extension research, promoting rural innovations, partnerships and liaising.

Duty Station: The position will be based in Uyole – Mbeya .

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor degree in Agriculture with minimum 4 years of relevant work experience around Agronomy, agriculture extension
• Master’s degree in Agriculture with minimum 2 years of relevant work experience around Agronomy and agriculture extension.

Skills and knowledge Mandatory

• Has proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments.
• Has strong oral and written communication skills
• Has strong analytical skills
• Has some experience with Quality assurance
• Has some experience with Research management
• Has good presentation skills
• Has experience in data analysis and relevant statistical tools Preferred
• Working experience in stakeholder management

Responsibilities

Assist in designing experiments/surveys based on the research outline provided

• Design, manage and monitor research activities including necessary protocols, research tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Monitor and manage the strategic collaborations around breeding, seed systems and extension research.
• Exchange conceptual ideas with collaborating partners (national/international) and seek feedback.
• Coordinate with collaborating partners on their research requirements
• Verify suggested methodologies and establish parameters.
• Assist in the identification of support staff and assign tasks/responsibilities.
• Ensure availability of services and supplies necessary to deliver research objectives.

Manage the implementation of experiments/surveys and other research studies related to breeding and seed systems.

• Provide assistance and guidelines/information to scholars and collaborators considering the implementation of experiment(s) including the logistics.
• Assign, monitor and evaluate research activities/tasks performed by Researchers, Research Technicians and contract workers, providing guidance, when necessary, for strengthening outreach programs, monitoring, evaluation, action research and experiments
• Maintain smooth conduct of experiment(s) by troubleshooting and fostering a productive teamwork environment.
• Develop standard operating procedures(SOPs)

Consolidate, evaluate and analyze research data

• Summarize and validate data using appropriate advanced statistical tools independently.
• Assist in the interpretation of results.
• Assist in drafting conclusions to enable necessary actions or decisions.
• Assure maintenance of accurate data recording and update database for efficient storage and retrieval of information

Contribute to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations.

• Help draft project reports, prepare posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of concept notes and projects for funding or technical collaborations for research and development jointly with relevant IRRI staff
• Develop and contribute towards documentary outputs like knowledge products and research document/ publications/scientific writing/policy briefs, summarizing research findings and draft manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals

Coordinate and prepare trainings

• Draft training materials using readily available published information (i.e. protocols, methodologyjand also in collaboration with the partners
• Prepare necessary supply; identify resource persons; make sure that the logistics are appropriate for defined purpose
• Responsible for the professional development of Research Technicians
• Act as resource person for training courses and visitors

People Management

• Supervise the work of Researchers and/or Research Technicians
• Carry out performance appraisals of Research Technicians
• Responsible for the professional development of Research Technicians
• Supervise or assist students and trainees

Work Condition and environment

Requires field visits at project implementation sites within Kenya General information:

The duration of contract for the position is two years. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Country Representative, IITA-Tanzania, Plot No. 25, Mwenge – Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni Industrial Area P.0. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or by email to [email protected]

Applicants are requested to please indicate the reference number for the position as indicated on the heading of the announcement in your application as well as on the subject of your email if sending by email. If sending by post or hand delivery, please indicate the reference number on your application as well as on the left-hand side of your envelope. Please note that any applications without the reference number indicated will be automatically disqualified.

Closing date: The deadline for submitting the application is 19 June 2023.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.