Research Technician III - Seed Health Analysis and Innovation

The Seed Health Unit (SHU), as the Single Gateway (sole entry and exit point) for all seeds, grains, non-seed biological materials and soil samples to and from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), strives to facilitate biological materials exchange within IRRI and with IRRI partners globally under the most efficient processes while ensuring compliance with national and international regulations and conformance to applicable international standards. The SHU management implements and continuously improves its quality management system in accordance with the standard requirements of ISO 9001:2015. All SHU personnel are made aware of policies and procedures to ensure strict implementation of quality requirements, in the efforts to deliver excellent quality products and services to the satisfaction of customers.
 
Under the general/close supervision of the Phytosanitary Actions Performance and Crop Health Associate Manager, this role shall  perform phytosanitary actions as deputized by the Bureau of Plant Industries of the Philippines in their memorandum of Agreement with IRRI. Phytosanitary actions encompass: seed health testing, seed treatment, dry seed inspection and surveillance and crop health monitoring for pests and diseases. Aforementioned activities are a requirement as defined by BPI’s phytosanitary measures for transboundary movement of seed, grain and other biological materials.  Along with the performance of phytosanitary actions, this position will be involved in the designing, development and evaluation of phytosanitary action protocols and methods as part of the enhancements under  the CGIAR Initiatives.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines. 

• Perform routine seed health tests (blotter tests, macro test, blotter test) as part of the compliance to phytosanitary requirements
• Assist the conduct of bacterial tests on outgoing rice seeds if the country of destination requires an additional declaration against target bacteria
• Provide supervision and technical assistance for quality assurance in the Routine Seed Health activities for trainees
• Assist in the maintenance of stock cultures and dry specimen collection used as reference materials
• Assist in documentation and seed health test results
• Contribute in the evaluation, calibration of  new technologies and protocols as required for upcoming new services or for compliance to phytosanitary requirements
• Provide assistance in logistics of trainings/orientations and information awareness activities
• Coordinate with the supervisor for efficient and timely conduct of seed health tests and other relevant activities
• Assist during trainings/orientations, or information awareness activities regarding proper use of microscope, identification of seedborne fungi, seed health testing methods and other aspects of seed health
• Assist in the coordination of supplies requests and delivery.
• Reviewed seed health tests data to ensure correctness, accuracy and timely delivery
• Proper maintenance of collection of dry specimens and slide mounts
• Organize and maintain laboratory materials used in seed health tests for easy retrieval
• Organize and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies

• High school graduate with at least 5 years relevant working experience or 2 years of college education (Agronomy, Biology or related areas) and 2 years relevant work experience

Mandatory

• Working knowledge on use of microscope; knowledge on seed health test methods

Preferred

• Working knowledge of seedborne fungi, nematodes and bacteria associated with rice
• Basic knowledge on Google work space
• Experience working under quality management system, GLP or ISO 9001 standard

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.