Assistant Scientist - Analytical Biochemistry

The Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) is a major component of the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) established in India by IRRI, with strong support from the Government of India to enhance rice research and training capabilities in the south Asian and African countries, to enable developing rice with superior grain qualities coupled with high yield and agronomic performances. Under the general supervision of the Head of CDGQN and the scientists-I (Grain Quality & Nutrition and Product Development & Sensory), the Assistant Scientist will plan and execute research activities within specific projects aimed at the rice landrace characterization of Odisha, nutritional profiling of rice and millet-based value-added products. The Assistant Scientist will conceptualize, plan, and conduct research studies, including activities such as preparation, improvement, and/or development of necessary research tools, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This role involves working closely with collaborating partner(s), exchanging information, and presenting research findings (in seminars, conferences, publications). The Assistant Scientist will also supervise, train, and guide scholars, on-the-job trainees, researchers, and research technicians. The Assistant Scientist will work widely across grain quality and nutritional components, covering bioactives, vitamins, amino acids, and food safety aspects, with a major focus on LC-MS based techniques, to contribute significantly to the research and service missions of CERVA. Although this position will be based in Varanasi, the candidate might need to spend time in Odisha once the mini factory is established to streamline the protocols.

This position will be based at the IRRI Varanasi Office and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Food Science &Technology or any other relevant subject and 3 years relevant work experience in preferably rice grain quality, nutrition analysis of rice grain and rice-based products or
• Master’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Food Science & Technology or any other relevant subject and 2 years’ experience preferably in rice grain quality, nutrition analysis of rice grain and rice-based products or
  Equivalent training / experience.

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 environment
• Skills in implementing quality assurance tools
• Experience in chromatographic and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric techniques
• Experience in supervising a small research team

Preferred

• Analytical skills in nutritional quality, safety evaluation of grains and food products

Allowances

In addition to the base salary mentioned above, IRRI also offers the following allowances:

• House-Rent Allowance: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.
• Transport Allowance: A monthly transport allowance of INR 4,000
• Dearness Allowance: One Hundred and Thirteen percent (113%) of employee’s base pay.
• Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): One-month base pay per annum, on availing minimum 2 days of vacation leave
• Education Allowance: INR 1000/- per child per month (limited 2 children)

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

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Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.