About IRRI

Job Purpose

Under the minimal supervision of the Senior 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 manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications as well as presentations/posters for national and international conferences. Supervise, coach, and guide scholars, OJTs, researchers, and research technicians. Coordinate and prepare training sessions for a variety of stakeholders. Support the agronomy and extension research, promoting rural innovations, partnerships, and liaising.

This position will be based at Bagamoyo, Tanzania, and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Tanzania.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design, implement, manage, and monitor research activities including necessary protocols, research tools, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Monitor and manage the strategic collaborations around breeding, agronomy, 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 the availability of services and supplies necessary to deliver research objectives
• Provide assistance and guidelines/information to scholars and collaborators considering the implementation of the 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)
• 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
• 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 documents/ publications/scientific writing/policy briefs, summarizing research findings and draft manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Draft training materials using readily available published information (i.e. protocols, methodology) and 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 a resource person for training courses and visitors
• 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
• Assist in designing experiments/surveys based on the research outline provided
• Manage the implementation of experiments/surveys and other research studies related to breeding and agronomy
• Consolidate, evaluate and analyze research data
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations
• Coordinate and prepare trainings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with a minimum 5 years of relevant work experience around breeding, agronomy, agriculture extension
• Master’s degree in Agriculture with a minimum 3 years of relevant work experience around breeding, agronomy and agriculture extension

Skills Required

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 rice fields

General information:

The duration of the contract is two years renewable subject to performance and availability of funds. These are nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

The application pack should include an application letter, copies of certificates, and a curriculum vitae which contains a telephone number, email address, and contact details of two referees. Applications should be sent by email to IITA-Tanzania@cgiar.org and addressed to:

The Country Representative, IITA-Tanzania,
Plot No. 25, Mwenge – Coca-Cola Road,
Mikocheni Industrial Area,
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Applicants are requested to include the reference number for the position (IITA-TZ-2024 – IRRI-011 -NRS) in the subject of their application letter, as well as in the subject of their email. Please note that any applications without the reference number indicated will be automatically disqualified.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 2nd October 2024.

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.