Postdoctoral Fellow
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Title of the project:
Spatial and temporal variability of greenhouse gas emissions from farmers´ rice fields under
water saving strategies in the Philippines
Location:
The postdoctoral fellow will be based at the International Rice Research Institute in Los
Baños, Philippines. The project tasks require domestic trips in regular intervals as well as
occasional longer stays for intensive measurement campaigns in major rice-growing regions
of the Philippines.
Project description:
The project will assess the potential of water-saving techniques in rice production as a
means for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Improved irrigation practices such
as "Alternate Wetting and Drying" are currently adopted by many rice farmers to save water
as compared to continuous flooding of the fields. While these new practices have the
potential to reduce methane emissions, it is unclear to what extent they might increase
emissions of nitrous oxide. The net benefits in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) will
depend on the actual modalities of irrigation and fertilization, so that only measurements in
farmers´ fields (and not on experimental farms) can provide a `proof of concept´. The project
is composed of (i) intensive field measurements of CH4 and N2O emissions in major rice
growing regions of the Philippines and (ii) upscaling of emissions using modelling
approaches and remote sensing information. Emissions will be recorded by mobile
measurements systems (manual sampling with `closed chamber technique´) encompassing a
large number of sampling sites and dates. Close collaboration with local partners will ensure
thorough documentation of crop, water, and nutrient management details. In the next step,
the process-based biogeochemistry model DNDC (DeNitrification-DeComposition) will be
validated for specific conditions found in the target regions. Highly resolved geo-spatial
spatial data will be obtained through detailed soil sampling and remote sensing techniques,
so that the validated model can then be used for upscaling of emissions and, at the same
time, computing net-GWP savings in view of possible GHG mitigation projects.
Requirements:
The candidate should be a German national, have a PhD in agriculture, environmental
science, or a related discipline (graduated no longer than 3 years). Experiences in field
measurements (preferably on GHG emissions) are essential. Ideally, the candidate also has
experiences in (i) using simulation models or remote sensing techniques and (ii) conducting
research projects in the developing world.
Applications : Qualified candidates can submit letter of application, comprehensive resumé,
publication list, two letters of reference (preferably one from a German research scientist) to
IRRI recruitment at the HRS office, FF Hill Building, IRRI Los Baños, Laguna or email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They can also mail application with complete requirements to:
Human Resources Services
International Rice Research Institute
DAPO Box 7777 Metro Manila
*Screening of applicants shall start on 10 May 2009 and will continue until a suitable
candidate is identified.
The position will be funded by Bundesmisterium fuer wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und
Entwicklung (BMZ) through Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ),
Beratungsgruppe Entwicklungsorientierte Agrarforschung (BEAF). Additional information is
available with Michael Bosch, BEAF-GTZ, Tel.: 06196 791434, Michael.Bosch(at)gtz.de
Source: atsaf.de
Postdoctoral Fellow
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Title of the project:
Spatial and temporal variability of greenhouse gas emissions from farmers´ rice fields under
water saving strategies in the Philippines
Location:
The postdoctoral fellow will be based at the International Rice Research Institute in Los
Baños, Philippines. The project tasks require domestic trips in regular intervals as well as
occasional longer stays for intensive measurement campaigns in major rice-growing regions
of the Philippines.
Project description:
The project will assess the potential of water-saving techniques in rice production as a
means for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Improved irrigation practices such
as "Alternate Wetting and Drying" are currently adopted by many rice farmers to save water
as compared to continuous flooding of the fields. While these new practices have the
potential to reduce methane emissions, it is unclear to what extent they might increase
emissions of nitrous oxide. The net benefits in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) will
depend on the actual modalities of irrigation and fertilization, so that only measurements in
farmers´ fields (and not on experimental farms) can provide a `proof of concept´. The project
is composed of (i) intensive field measurements of CH4 and N2O emissions in major rice
growing regions of the Philippines and (ii) upscaling of emissions using modelling
approaches and remote sensing information. Emissions will be recorded by mobile
measurements systems (manual sampling with `closed chamber technique´) encompassing a
large number of sampling sites and dates. Close collaboration with local partners will ensure
thorough documentation of crop, water, and nutrient management details. In the next step,
the process-based biogeochemistry model DNDC (DeNitrification-DeComposition) will be
validated for specific conditions found in the target regions. Highly resolved geo-spatial
spatial data will be obtained through detailed soil sampling and remote sensing techniques,
so that the validated model can then be used for upscaling of emissions and, at the same
time, computing net-GWP savings in view of possible GHG mitigation projects.
Requirements:
The candidate should be a German national, have a PhD in agriculture, environmental
science, or a related discipline (graduated no longer than 3 years). Experiences in field
measurements (preferably on GHG emissions) are essential. Ideally, the candidate also has
experiences in (i) using simulation models or remote sensing techniques and (ii) conducting
research projects in the developing world.
Applications : Qualified candidates can submit letter of application, comprehensive resumé,
publication list, two letters of reference (preferably one from a German research scientist) to
IRRI recruitment at the HRS office, FF Hill Building, IRRI Los Baños, Laguna or email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They can also mail application with complete requirements to:
Human Resources Services
International Rice Research Institute
DAPO Box 7777 Metro Manila
*Screening of applicants shall start on 10 May 2009 and will continue until a suitable
candidate is identified.
The position will be funded by Bundesmisterium fuer wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und
Entwicklung (BMZ) through Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ),
Beratungsgruppe Entwicklungsorientierte Agrarforschung (BEAF). Additional information is
available with Michael Bosch, BEAF-GTZ, Tel.: 06196 791434, Michael.Bosch(at)gtz.de
Source: atsaf.de