Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanization & Postharvest Research at IRRI India – Apply Now!
Are you a Ph.D. holder in agricultural engineering or a related field with a passion for rice-based farming systems and climate-smart technologies? The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanization and Postharvest at its South Asia Regional Centre in Varanasi, India. This prestigious position offers a chance to contribute to cutting-edge R4D programs focused on sustainable agriculture and innovation in rice value chains across Asia and Africa.
About the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI):
Founded in 1960, IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to rice science and sustainability. With a global presence, IRRI works to improve rice production, farmer livelihoods, and food security through innovation in agriculture. From genetic research to postharvest mechanization, IRRI addresses the full rice value chain and promotes climate-resilient, resource-efficient farming. At its core, IRRI focuses on scientific excellence, inclusive development, and partnerships that drive large-scale impact.
Job Details
- Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow – Mechanization and Postharvest
- Job ID: HQ01815
- Location: India
- Closing Date: 30-Jun-2025
About the Position
The Postdoctoral Fellow will support research on climate-smart mechanization and postharvest technologies in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
. This includes supporting a shift to direct seeding systems, residue management, precision agriculture, and the development of scalable innovations for smallholder farmers.Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Fellow include, but are not limited to:
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Lead and implement R4D mechanization and postharvest initiatives.
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Drive adaptation strategies for climate-smart farming practices.
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Engage in co-creation and testing of AI, robotics, and advanced farming tools.
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Oversee mechanization hubs, manage machinery inventory and trial sites.
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Develop training content and support stakeholder capacity building.
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Coordinate with manufacturers, policymakers, and farmer groups (FPOs/FPCs).
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Contribute to data analysis, scientific publications, reports, and proposals.
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Monitor trends in disruptive agri-tech to inform strategic planning.
Qualifications
To be considered for this position, candidates must have:
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Ph.D. in agricultural engineering or related discipline
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Minimum 1 year of relevant experience
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Familiarity with rice value chains and mechanization hubs
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Grant writing and budgeting experience
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Networking and partnership skills with stakeholders and government bodies
Skills Required
The successful candidate will possess:
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Strong field research and extension background
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An interdisciplinary mindset and quantitative analysis skills
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Excellent organizational and communication abilities
Keywords: IRRI, Postdoctoral Fellow, Mechanization, Postharvest, Job, Research, Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanization, Rice, Agriculture, South Asia, Africa, Climate Change
