Postdoctoral Fellow - Molecular Genetics (Grain Quality)

Unravel the genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology of nutritional quality of rice grain in close collaboration with genomics team, breeders, molecular marker application specialists and cereal chemists.

This position is based at IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

Research

• Detailed analysis of grain composition of selected rice lines from Global Rice MAGIC and biparental mapping populations focusing on proxy measures related to elevated resistant starch and dietary fibre contents as well as quantification and characterization of starch structure and grain digestibility
• Identification of candidate genes, haplotypes, and molecular markers using genome-wide association study (GWAS) and coordination with breeders and NARES partners for implementation of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for rice nutritional quality traits
• Work closely with other teams in GQNC (genomics and metabolomics), PB (multi-site trials), PhilRice (sensory and consumer preference) and Rothamsted (dietary fibre)

Publication and Dissemination

• Writing of scientific reports and manuscripts for publication in international peer-refereed journals
• Attend international conferences and conduct scientific oral presentations

Coordination, Communication, and Liaison

• Contribute to planning of project research agenda and project output on “Enhanced Rice quality for Health (EnRicH)” by communicating with project partners and other stakeholders to ensure research outputs are properly executed and coordinated
• Provide scientific and technical support to scientists, staff, scholars, technicians, breeders and NARES partners

Management

• Manage assigned activities in project which may include budget and time management
• Supervise a small project team of NRS and research students

Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline (Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Biochemistry or Plant Breeding and Genetics)

Skills Required

• Special expertise needed on starch structure, dietary fibre and resistant starch manipulation
• Demonstrated ability to perform in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to work well within a team
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent organizational skills

HOW TO APPLY:

Application Process

To submit application, please visit http://goo.gl/qcCXz6