Job Description
International
Potato Center
POSITION
ANNOUNCEMENT
Ref: 2026/12/NRS/IND/ASIA
Associate
Scientist-Agronomist
Agra,
India
The
International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for One (1) Associate Scientist-Agronomist to help advance sustainable potato production across
South Asia.
About CIP: CIP
is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming
food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP’s mission is to develop
and share science-based innovations in potato, sweet potato, and other root and
tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa,
Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic,
social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate
social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and
agriculture. For more information, please visit https://cipotato.org/about/.
About CSARC: The
CIP – South Asia Regional Center (CSARC), Agra, serves as a key hub for
agricultural research and development focused on potato and sweetpotato systems
in South Asia. The center supports research initiatives aimed at improving crop
productivity, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices. It
collaborates with national research institutions, government agencies, private
players and development partners to promote innovative agricultural solutions.
About the position:
The CIP South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) is looking
for a passionate and experienced Agronomist to help advance sustainable potato
production across South Asia. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who
enjoys combining science with practical field application and working closely
with farmers, researchers, government agencies, and industry partners.
The successful candidate will lead research on potato
production systems, regenerative agriculture, and quality seed production while
overseeing CSARC's research farm and field operations. The role will also
contribute to developing innovative mechanization solutions, strengthening
farmer capacity, and generating evidence that supports the adoption of
climate-resilient and resource-efficient potato production technologies.
Key responsibilities:
The Agronomist will play a central role in
planning and implementing research and development activities by:
Research and Innovation
·Lead agronomic research to improve the productivity,
sustainability, and resilience of potato-based farming systems across South
Asia.
·Develop and evaluate regenerative agriculture
practices, including zero or reduced tillage, residue management, crop
rotation, efficient nutrient and water management, soil health improvement, and
climate-smart production systems.
·Design, implement, and monitor field experiments,
on-farm demonstrations, and multi-location trials, ensuring high-quality data
collection, analysis, and interpretation.
·Conduct research and demonstration activities on
quality potato seed production, including apical rooted cuttings (ARC),
minitubers, and other seed multiplication technologies.
·Identify, evaluate, and promote appropriate
mechanization solutions for potato production, seed production, planting, crop
management, harvesting, grading, and post-harvest operations.
Research Farm Management
·Manage CSARC's research farm, including seasonal
planning, field operations, irrigation, machinery, labour, research
infrastructure, and compliance with research protocols and safety standards.
Collaboration and Capacity Development
·Collaborate closely with breeders, soil scientists,
engineers, seed specialists, socio-economists, and other multidisciplinary
teams to develop integrated production technologies.
·Build and maintain effective partnerships with
National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), universities, state governments,
development partners, and industry to accelerate technology adoption.
·Organize field days, demonstrations, training
programmes, and capacity-building activities for researchers, extension
personnel, government agencies, private sector partners, and farmers.
Knowledge Management and Resource Mobilization
·Prepare technical manuals, training materials,
standard operating procedures (SOPs), extension publications, and other
knowledge products to support technology dissemination.
·Contribute to project development, proposal writing,
donor reporting, scientific publications, and other technical outputs.
·Ensure timely documentation, technical reporting, and
effective communication of research findings and project achievements.
Requirements
What are we looking
for?
·A Ph.D. in agronomy or a related discipline.
·At least 8 years of professional experience in
agronomy, crop production, or applied agricultural research, preferably in root
and tuber crops (RCT).
·Strong practical experience in regenerative
agriculture and potato seed production systems.
·Demonstrated expertise in conservation agriculture,
zero or reduced tillage, soil health management, and sustainable crop
production practices.
·Experience in planning and managing research farms and
coordinating field trials across different locations.
·Good knowledge of agricultural mechanization,
particularly for potato production and harvesting systems.
·Experience in experimental design, statistical
analysis, and interpretation of agronomic research.
·A proven ability to organize training programmes and
effectively communicate scientific knowledge to diverse audiences.
·Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and
collaborating with government agencies, research organizations, development
partners, and the private sector.
·Strong scientific writing, proposal development, and
reporting skills.
·Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of
Hindi language will be an added advantage.
·Willingness to travel within India and across South
Asia as required.
Benefits
What are we offering?
·Great career opportunity in an international
organization.
·Generous compensation package commensurate with
experience.
·One-year term contract with the possibility of
renewal.
·Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
How to apply?
Please visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ to submit a full C.V. along with your
references (preferable recent supervisors). We highly encourage all
interested candidates to participate in this exciting and competitive
process. The deadline for the receipt of applications is 20th Aug, 2026