Assistant Scientist

**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**

**This position will be based at the IRRI Varanasi Office and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India.**
**Roles and Responsibilities**
- To plan and design multiple experiments and research studies in the field of analytical biochemistry of rice grain and rice-based products using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Execute planned research activities using LC-MS on targeted analysis of small molecules including primary and secondary metabolites, and pesticide residues.
- Develop/implement appropriate protocols for the targeted analysis of nutritional quality parameters using LC-MS as per the requirements which mainly includes bioactives (flavonoid, anthocyanins etc), vitamins, amino acids, and food safety measures require targeted testing for a number of pesticides.
- Optimize and effective run protocols for analyzing vital micronutrients and heavy metals using ICP-MS and conduct speciation analysis to identify inorganic and organic forms of the metals.
- Execute planned research activities using GC-MS/GC-FID on targeted analysis of molecules which include aromatic compounds, other volatile molecules present in rice and other food products and pesticide residues, together with untargeted volatile analysis from rice and other food matrices and identify them using the NIST library.
- Learn and implement novel analytical technologies related to LC-MS, ICP-MS, and GC-MS for evaluating nutritional (targeted and untargeted) and aromatic properties of rice grain and food safety.
- Ensure smooth functioning of the MS laboratories by organizing research requirements like procuring all the necessary materials and routine maintenance of the equipment.
- Prepare research plans, experimental design, statistical design, and timeframe of the research activities and deliverables.
- Train and supervise technicians, interns, students on sample preparation for experiments, standard solution, buffer preparation, equipment handling etc.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOP) as per the requirements and follow all the existing SOPs of laboratory
- Interpret the outcome of the experimental results/data using appropriate statistical tools and provide timely outputs
- Contribute to the scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals and report writing.
- Coordinate with the quality manager of the laboratory on different aspects of ISO 17025 and help in the implementation and adherence to the policies and SOPs established in the laboratory.
- Meet with project leaders and/or collaborators to discuss the scope of specific research areas in the laboratory.
- Closely coordinate with the Head of Grain Quality and Nutrition Centre at IRRI Headquarters and key scientist(s) at CERVA to strengthen research in the area of rice grain quality and rice-based products.
- Present research studies at seminars and/or conferences (local/international)
- Guide/coach researchers, technicians, scholars and interns
- Mentor team members in the process of establishing and maintaining experiment(s)
- Organize and coordinate trainings for on-the-job trainees and interns
- Supervise the work of Researchers and/or Research Technicians
- Ensure that research procedures follow the experimental protocol as described in the outline
- Consolidate, verify and analyze collected data using appropriate advanced statistical tools independently
- Draw conclusions from the research studies
- Prepare and submit research outputs to the Scientists in a timely manner
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, scientific papers, articles, posters, database for publication and presentation
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and other documents related to ISO 17025
- Preparing procurement plans for required instruments and chemicals

**Qualifications**

Equivalent training / experience.

**Skills Required** Mandatory**
- Proven Technical proficiency in conducting research experiments
- Experience in contributing to research publications, presentations or related areas
- Excellent analytical skills in a chemical and biochemical lab environm