Associate Scientist - Agronomist

International Potato Center; Agra District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Potato Center (CIP) in Agra seeks an Associate Scientist - Agronomist to lead research on potato production systems, regenerative agriculture, and quality seed production while managing the CSARC research farm.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and partner with national research systems, state governments, and industry to drive climate-resilient agricultural innovations across South Asia.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or closely related discipline.
• 8+ years of professional experience in agronomy, crop production, or applied research, preferably RTC.
• Strong background in conservation agriculture, soil health management, potato seed systems, experimental design, and statistics.
• Hands-on experience managing research farms, multi-location trials, and machinery evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and monitor agronomic research, multi-location trials, and on-farm demonstrations.
• Lead seed multiplication research and promote mechanization for planting, management, and harvesting.
• Oversee CSARC's research farm operations, including seasonal planning and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with breeders, soil scientists, socio-economists, and engineers; engage with NARS and private partners.
• Prepare technical manuals, SOPs, publications, grants, and donor reports.

Skills

Conservation agriculture

Soil health management

Potato seed systems

Experimental design

Statistical data analysis

Research farm management

Education

Ph.D. in Agronomy or Crop Science

Job description

Location- Agra

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced Associate Scientist - Agronomist for its South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) in Agra. The position leads research on potato production systems, regenerative agriculture, and quality seed production while managing CSARCs research farm operations. The incumbent will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, national research systems, state governments, and industry partners to drive climate-resilient agricultural innovations across South Asia.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Innovation: Design, execute, and monitor agronomic research, multi-location trials, and on-farm demonstrations focused on potato crop productivity, regenerative agriculture (zero/reduced tillage, soil health, nutrient and water management), and climate-resilient practices.
• Seed Production & Mechanization: Conduct research and field demonstrations on quality potato seed multiplication technologies (Apical Rooted Cuttings - ARC, minitubers). Identify, evaluate, and promote modern mechanization for planting, crop management, and harvesting.
• Research Farm Management: Oversee CSARC's research farm operations, including seasonal planning, irrigation systems, machinery utilization, field labor management, and adherence to safety and research protocols.
• Collaboration & Extension: Work with plant breeders, soil scientists, socio-economists, and agricultural engineers. Partner with NARS, universities, state agricultural departments, and private players to organize field days, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Knowledge Management & Grants: Prepare technical manuals, SOPs, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and extension materials. Contribute to grant proposal writing, donor reporting, and project documentation.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Educational Qualification: Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a closely related agricultural discipline.
• Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in agronomy, crop production, or applied research, preferably specializing in Root and Tuber Crops (RTC).
• Technical Expertise: Strong background in conservation agriculture, soil health management, potato seed systems, experimental design, and statistical data analysis.
• Operational Skills: Hands‑on experience managing research farms, conducting multi-location field trials, and evaluating farm machinery.
• Communication & Mobility: Excellent scientific writing and spoken English. Proficiency in Hindi is advantageous. Willingness to travel across India and South Asia.