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Senior Research Specialist - Soil Microbiology IRRI - International Rice Research Institute Los Baños International Mid level Application deadline: November 22, 2026 (23 days) Apply Summary by Impactpool The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is seeking a Senior Research Specialist in Soil Microbiology to enhance sustainable rice production systems through innovative microbial solutions. The role involves researching soil microbial ecology, conducting experiments, and applying big data analytical tools to improve nitrogen management. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external partners is essential for developing integrated microbial solutions. The position is based in Los Baños, Philippines, and is open for international applications.

Candidate Requirements:

PhD in integrated biological systems, soil science, environmental science, or microbiology At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience in soil microbiology or microbial ecology Strong background in soil microbiology and microbial ecology Understanding of nitrogen cycling processes Experience in microbial characterization and evaluation Familiarity with bioinformatics and data analysis tools Knowledge of machine learning and AI tools Experience in conducting biological, chemical, and physical analyses Ability to design and implement experiments Excellent scientific writing and communication skills Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams Senior Research Specialist -

Soil Microbiology Job ID:

HQ01930 Location Philippines Closing Date 22-Nov-2026 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 Within IRRI, the Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Cropping Systems (SIRS) Department pioneers innovative solutions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of rice systems. As part of this effort, the "Reinventing Nitrogen" initiative seeks to develop nature-based, microbial innovations that can transform nitrogen management in rice—from reliance on chemical fertilizers to harnessing the natural power of soil microbes and biological nitrogen fixation. We are now seeking a talented Soil Microbiologist to join our multidisciplinary team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the frontier of microbe-soil-climate science, applying cutting-edge microbiome research and analytical tools to develop climate-smart, field-ready solutions that boost nitrogen use efficiency and accelerate the transition to sustainable rice production systems. This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications. Roles and Responsibilities Research and identify emerging trends on soil microbial ecology and biological nitrogen fixation and recommend new research approaches and opportunities to improve research methodology. Design, conduct, and analyze experiments, under the supervision of the Senior Scientist to characterize and evaluate beneficial nitrogen-fixing microbes under varying nutrient and soil management conditions. Apply and test new big data analytical tools to advance understanding of soil and microbiome dynamics and interactions in rice systems for crop nutrition and soil health. Contribute to IRRI's broader goal of advancing sustainable, climate-smart, and low-emission rice production systems through integration of microbiome science with agronomy, breeding, and data analytics. Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across IRRI-including plant microbiologists, soil scientists, agronomists, breeders, physiologists, molecular biologists, modelers and data scientists, as well as global national partners and advanced research institutions, to share knowledge and align research activities Collaborate with soil microbial research centers, universities, and industry to share microbial resources, codevelop protocols for microbial inoculants under field conditions, identifying opportunities for alignment and capacity development. Support training, mentoring, and capacity building in soil microbiology for IRRI staff, students, and NARES partners. Develop and maintain a microbial database integrated with agronomic and soil data to support data-driven discovery of microbial solutions. Contribute to the development of integrated microbial solutions for enhanced biological nitrogen fixation, soil health and reduced fertilizer usages. Manage the implementation and reporting of assigned research activities, ensuring timely delivery within budget and adherence to milestones. Contribute to proposal development, project reports, and dissemination of findings through scientific meetings, workshops, and outreach activities. Compile and analyze research findings rigorously, prepare, publish and present high-quality scientific outputs and peer-reviewed publications. Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time Qualifications PhD on the discipline of integrated biological systems, soil science, environmental science, microbiology applied to natural and or cultivated systems, complex biological systems modelling At least two (2) years of relevant postdoctoral professional experience in soil microbiology, microbial ecology, or environmental microbiology Skills Required Mandatory Strong background in soil microbiology, microbial ecology, or environmental microbiology, with demonstrated expertise in studying microbe-plant-soil system. Strong understanding of nitrogen cycling processes and their relevance to soil fertility, nutrient management, and sustainable agriculture. Experience in microbial characterization and evaluation, particularly of nitrogen-fixing or other beneficial soil microbes. Experience with bioinformatics and data analysis tools for handling large metagenomic or microbial community profiling data (e.g., QIIME2, R, Python, or equivalent) Familiarity with the use of Machine learning and artificial intelligence tools Proven knowledge and practical experience in conducting biological, chemical, and physical analyses Demonstrated ability to design and implement laboratory and field experiments integrating microbiological and agronomic components. Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, with a record of peer reviewed publications. Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, fostering collaboration across disciplines. At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead. Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager. Summary by Impactpool The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is seeking a Senior Research Specialist in Soil Microbiology to enhance sustainable rice production systems through innovative microbial solutions. The role involves researching soil microbial ecology, conducting experiments, and applying big data analytical tools to improve nitrogen management. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external partners is essential for developing integrated microbial solutions. The position is based in Los Baños, Philippines, and is open for international applications.

Candidate Requirements:

PhD in integrated biological systems, soil science, environmental science, or microbiology At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience in soil microbiology or microbial ecology Strong background in soil microbiology and microbial ecology Understanding of nitrogen cycling processes Experience in microbial characterization and evaluation Familiarity with bioinformatics and data analysis tools Knowledge of machine learning and AI tools Experience in conducting biological, chemical, and physical analyses Ability to design and implement experiments Excellent scientific writing and communication skills Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams Fellowship Master the recruitment process of the impact sector! Become a fellow and gain access to Impactpool's premium material that will boost your career in the impact sector Explore fellowship