Associate Scientist - Statistics

Reference number: (RRS-2011-167-PM)

Apply by: 26 October 2011

Responsible for developing the necessary procedures and programs needed to put data collected by the Social Sciences Division into a secure, and robust yet flexible central database at the same time allowing public access, within and outside of IRRI via the internet. He/She will see to it that all data sets in the web are of good quality and of uniform standards and format. He/She will also be responsible in updating the web pages of the World Rice Statistics (WRS) and Farm Household (FHH) database and make it adoptable to the dynamic world of computing. He/She will provide training on research data management of socioeconomic data to collaborators and to the divisions’ research groups, unit or project.

Major accountabilities/Responsibilities
1. Plan, design, and enhance the SSD database to facilitate the entry of data (both local and web-based) and transform it into a format that could be easily put in the web. Revise the standard template to include additional variables collected by other specialized projects like, volume of water use, AWD and gender data.
2. Supervise and coordinate other members of the team in terms of data validation, formatting, and transformation to assure uniformity and quality of the data sets that will be uploaded in the web. This involves a regular monitoring of the work of the staff in converting the data sets in a standard format
3. Develop the necessary program/interface using WAMP, LAMP, SQL, XAMP to put the SSD database in the web to make it easily accessible worldwide. Document all the steps and procedures needed in uploading the database in the web for future reference. Detailed duties are as follows;
• design and develop easy to use web applications of the SSD databases (world rice statistics, farm household survey, etc.) in adherence to current trends in web design and programming standards (LAMP, HTML5, CSS3, Java, Javascript, CMS, etc.)
• innovate applications for different mobile platforms similar to the applications for the web
• document all designs, procedures and codes in all aspects of server maintenance, database development, maintenance and security, web application design, development and deployment. Develop a standard set of procedure based on these documentations.
4. Collaborate and coordinate with ITS to ensure the efficient and smooth publication of the SSD databases in the Web. See to it that the webpage is up and functioning well.
5. Develop and document good practices and standards in research data management to enhance and improve the database management protocols of the SSD database. In coordination with the other members of the team and staff of SSD, implement the standard protocols and practices necessary to further enhance the SSD database.
6. Provide training and support in database management to collaborators and division’s research groups, units and projects on research data and information management. This will involve not only lectures but hands on training to the above mentioned staff.
7. Coordinate with the leader of the division’s research database management (RDM) team in terms of maintaining and improving the SSD databases to facilitate easy access of the database not only in IRRI but worldwide.
8. Perform all other related tasks that may be assigned by her/his supervisor and head of the Division.

Qualification requirements
• BS in Statistics/Computer Science but MS units will be an advantage
• 5 or more years of experience in performing the above or similar activities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be proficient in using the following program/languages; WAMP, LAMP, SQL, XAMP, Microsoft Office; proficient in developing web-base and mobile application using Java script, Java, ECLIPSE, WAP and Google API, JOOMLA or any CMS; Knows how to design and manage time series database consisting of macro and micro level socio-economic data; and must be a good team worker/player; Experience in multicultural environment is an advantage, but not a requirement

Screening will start on 26 October 2011 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been found.

Please indicate the position reference number in the e-mail subject line. IRRI regrets that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

IRRI provides a multicultural work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, with a competitive compensation and benefit package. Women are encouraged to apply.

Join us to deliver rice science for a better world

Interested candidates should apply online (click apply now). Should you encounter problems applying online please email atIRRIRecruitment@irri.org.

APPLY NOW