Position of Technical Adviser in Plant Pathology
Terms of Reference for Technical Adviser Pathologist, PETRRA Seed Health
Improvement Component.
Job Description:
Position Announcement for
Affiliate Scientist (Plant Pathologist)
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is seeking an affiliate
scientist (plant pathologist) under a study on seed health improvement
for farmer-saved rice seed, a component of the project "Poverty
Elimination Through Rice Research Assistance (PETRRA) funded by the
Department for International Development, UK. The position, to be based
in Bangladesh, is offered for 2 years, with the possible opportunity of
subsequent employment for a further period in support of the project.
IRRI, supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research, (CGlAR) is a non-profit, autonomous organization, engaged in
research and training on rice-related technology. Interested candidates
can learn more about IRRI and its activities by visiting the Institute's
Website at http:/www.cgiar.org/irri.
The Affiliate Scientist will work closely with and provide technical
advice to the Team Leader for the Seed Health Improvement Component of
PETRRA, involving an interdisciplinary team of scientists from
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and associated institutions on
the following main activities:
1. Assist the installation of PCR and other laboratory equipment and its
operational establishment at the Plant Pathology laboratory of BRRI.
Provide hands-on training to BRRI scientists in the use and applications
of molecular tools.
2. Support research programmes assessing the significance of seed health
under farmers conditions and utilizing molecular biological tools to
assess the significance of seed as a source of field inoculum. With BRRI
staff, further develop PCR techniques to identify and discriminate
between species present.
3. Assist the prioritization, planning and implementation of a detailed
programme of farmer-participatory research to improve seed health at
farm level, based on measures appropriate to the socio-economic status
of Bangladesh farmers.
4. Assist BRRI management in the identification of suitable candidates
and research topics for postgraduate training programmes complementary
to the project theme and assist supervision of these students as
appropriate.
5. Ensure that BRRI scientists are equipped with the necessary skills
and resources to be able to undertake subsequent laboratory and
field-based programmes, provide guidelines to BRRI management on how the
facilities and expertise at BRRI may best be used in the future
programmes.
6. Provide support to PETRRA Project Manager in matters related to rice
seed health for the Project operation.
Applicants should have a PhD in plant pathology with statistical
skills and experience of molecular biology. Research experience in
disease management and experience of working in inter-disciplinary
approaches in a developing country is highly desirable. Good
communication and inter-personal skills are important for work with
colleagues in the national agricultural research system and extension
organizations.
The affiliate scientist will be located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He or she
will report through the IRRI Representative for Bangladesh to the
Project Coordinator/Head of Entomology & Plant Pathology Division, IRRI.
Salary and perquisites are internationally competitive.
Send comprehensive curriculum vitae and names, addresses and fax numbers
of three referees to:
Dr M. Holderness
CABI Bioscience
Bakeham Lane,
Egham,
Surrey
TW20 9TY
UK
Tel: 01491 829043
Fax: 0491 829100
e-mail: m.holderness at cabi.org
(CABI Bioscience are providing coordination of UK inputs to the project)
