Associate Scientist - Trait Discovery and Plant Breeding IRRI - International Rice Research Institute Los Baños International Mid level Application deadline: September 30, 2026 (13 days) Apply Summary by Impactpool The Associate Scientist in Trait Discovery and Plant Breeding at IRRI will focus on managing and advancing introgression populations, particularly through chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) development. This role involves planning and implementing experiments, analyzing research data, and applying molecular techniques such as PCR and KASP assays. The position also includes contributing to quality assurance, troubleshooting, and the development of scientific outputs to support improved rice varieties. The successful candidate will collaborate with various teams and manage technical staff to achieve research objectives.

Candidate Requirements:

Master's Degree in genetics or molecular biology At least 3 years of relevant work experience Technical proficiency in conducting research Experience with genotyping workflows and selection Excellent analytical skills using advanced statistical tools Implemented quality assurance tools Familiar with risk management practices Experience with research management Experience leading a small research team Associate Scientist -

Trait Discovery and Plant Breeding Job ID:

HQ01923 Location Philippines Closing Date 30-Sep-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 The Breeding Innovations and Informatics unit works to deliver new genetics and enabling informatics resources to breeding programs to improve efficiency and effectiveness, particularly of marker-assisted selection. The Associate Scientist will contribute to the Native Trait Discovery and Deployment team's variety polishing and trait discovery activities, with a primary focus on the management and advancement of introgression populations, including chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) development. The position will lead the planning and implementation of screening and physiological experiments, analyze and interpret research data, and support the application of molecular approaches such as PCR and KASP assays. The role will also contribute to quality assurance, troubleshooting, process improvement, research reporting, and the development of scientific outputs to support the team's research objectives and the delivery of improved rice varieties. This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines. Roles and Responsibilities Lead and manage introgression processes, particularly the development and advancement of CSSL production as part of the variety polishing and trait discovery activities Plan, design, and implement screening and physiological experiments to characterize traits and support breeding decisions. Analyze and interpret experimental and phenotypic data using appropriate statistical approaches and tools to generate robust and actionable results Conduct and oversee molecular activities, including

PCR, KASP

assays, and other genotyping-related laboratory procedures, as required to support research objectives. Contribute to the development and improvement of methods, workflows, and processes that enhance the efficiency, quality, and reproducibility of variety polishing and trait discovery activities. Provide timely and accurate reports on progress to direct supervisor to ensure timely progression of work. Identify bottlenecks, technical challenges, and risks that may affect the quality or timely delivery of research outputs and develop and recommend appropriate solutions Collaborate with scientists, researchers, breeding teams, genotyping services, and other relevant units to coordinate research activities and ensure alignment with project objectives. Manage technical staff in support of research objectives. Deliver high-quality introgression and CSSL populations that meet defined quality criteria and project timelines. Generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data and translate findings into clear conclusions and recommendations relevant to variety polishing and trait discovery. Monitor and document research activities, progress, and outcomes and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and other project documentation. Present research findings and technical results at internal meetings, scientific conferences, workshops, and other relevant forums. Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, reports, presentations, protocols, and other research outputs. Identify, evaluate, and implement improvements to research methods, workflows, and quality assurance processes. Ensure that assigned research activities and outputs comply with relevant SOPs, quality standards, and applicable institutional requirements. Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time Qualifications Master's Degree in genetics or molecular biology with at least 3 years of relevant work experience Experience with genotyping workflows and selection, marker design Skills Required Mandatory Technical proficiency in conducting research Active contribution in research publications, presentations or reports Excellent analytical skills using advanced statistical tools Implemented quality assurance tools Familiar with risk management practices Experience with research management Experience leading a small research team Preferred Experience working in an international organization 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 only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This position will remain open until filled. 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 Associate Scientist in Trait Discovery and Plant Breeding at IRRI will focus on managing and advancing introgression populations, particularly through chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) development. This role involves planning and implementing experiments, analyzing research data, and applying molecular techniques such as PCR and KASP assays. The position also includes contributing to quality assurance, troubleshooting, and the development of scientific outputs to support improved rice varieties. The successful candidate will collaborate with various teams and manage technical staff to achieve research objectives.

Candidate Requirements:

Master's Degree in genetics or molecular biology At least 3 years of relevant work experience Technical proficiency in conducting research Experience with genotyping workflows and selection Excellent analytical skills using advanced statistical tools Implemented quality assurance tools Familiar with risk management practices Experience with research management Experience leading a small research team 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 Show IRRI - International Rice Research Institute that you are interested in them Recruiters from the organization will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest. Connect with organization