Contact person:
Dr. Tao Li
International Rice Research Institute
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel: 63-2-580-5600, ext. 2732.
Job Profile
Job Title: Post doctoral research fellow
Modeler for greenhouse gasses
Employment Category: PDF
Reports to: Dr. Tao Li/Dr. Reiner Wassmann/Dr. B.A.M. Bouman
Department: Crop and Environmental Science Division
Organization: International Rice Research Institute
Country: Philippines
Job Purpose
The emission of greenhouse gasses (GHG: methane, NOx) from agriculture contributes to Global Warming. Rice, harvest from some 150 million ha, affects climate change through emission of GHGs (especially methane) and sequestration of carbon. The emission of GHGs and the sequestration of carbon is affected by the management of the rice crop, eg water, nutrients, residues, establishment, weed control, etc. Experiments have delivered a wealth of data on relationships between crop management and the emission of GHGs and carbon sequestration, but these are site-specific. GHG models, such as DNDC, are needed to extrapolate and scale up field-experimental results. This job position will identify suitable GHG models for rice, link these to IRRI's rice simulation model ORYZA2000, and apply the models to identify and quantify management strategies that reduce the emission of GHGs and/or sequester carbon. Existing data sets as well ongoing field experiments at different sites in Asia will be used to calibrate and validate the linked ORYZA2000-GHG models. Results will feed into Decisions Support Systems and so-called Field Calculators to design productive rice management technologies that mitigate climate change. The position will be based at IRRI, Los Baņos, but with collaboration with international partners and possible travel to other countries. The position will contribute to various projects at IRRI, such as ICON and LUCCI.
Major Accountabilities / Responsibilities
In close collaboration with IRRI scientists and IRRI partners, the main responsibility is to extent the ORYZA2000 simulation model with capabilities to quantify the emission of GHG (and underlying fluxes of CO2, N2O and CH4) from rice field.
Specifically to:
1. Analyze existing greenhouse gas emission models, especially the DNDC, DayCentury, Ecosys and Daisy, to understand their simulation mechanisms.
2. Adapt, modify, and integrate or couple selected GHG models/modules with ORYZA2000.
3. Calibrate and evaluate the ORYZA2000-GHG model against historic and newly collected experimental data (this may entail participating in ongoing field experiments)
4. Apply the ORYZA2000-GHG model to assess the impact of various crop management technologies on GHG emissions, and to design integrated resource management options that minimize GHG emissions while having high productivity.
Job Dimensions
Period: 2 years with possible extension based on performance and availability of fund
Supervisor: Dr Tao Li (Crop modeler)
Co-supervisor: Dr Reiner Wassmann (Climate change specialist).
Number of Associates: Numerous NARES collaborators
Financial Responsibility (e.g. Budget Cost, Equipment):None
Key Performance Indicators / Measures of Success
1. Existing greenhouse gas emission models analyzed, especially the DNDC, DayCentury, Ecosys and Daisy
2. ORYZA2000 extended with capabilities to simulate GHGs; the new ORYZA2000-GHG model fully documented.
3. The ORYZA2000-GHG model calibrated and evaluated against historic and newly collected experimental data
4. Integrated resource (water, nutrients, soil, others) management options defined that minimize GHG emissions while having high productivity, through the application of the ORYZA2000-GHG model
Education / Experience
Minimum Education: Recent PhD in biophysical modeling with background in soil or environmental sciences
Experience Required:
--ESSENTIAL
1. Demonstrated expertise in biophysical model development.
2. Good knowledge of the key processes (soil chemistry) of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
3. Experience and aptitude in the calibration, evaluation and application of simulation models.
4. Experience in one of the following computer programming languages: Fortran (preferred), C++, VB, VBA, Java, etc.
--DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL SKILLS
1. Experience with rice-based cropping systems in Asia
2. Experience with the measurement and data interpretation of greenhouse gas emission.
3. Good communication skills (oral, written; informal and formal)
4. Good interpersonal skills and ability to relate to and interact with individuals from different national and cultural backgrounds
Languages: Fluent in oral and written English
Core Competencies
--Communication
* gets comments or feedback on presented information
* discusses and respects others' views and opinions
* uses appropriate communication tools
--Critical thinking
* breaks down concrete issues and problems into their component part and identifies key issues
* distinguishes among facts, perceptions, assumptions, and opinions
* constructs and develops coherent arguments
* articulates and communicates reasoned judgments
--Results orientation
* sets standards to achieve results
* tackles tasks in order of importance
* takes necessary actions if commitments are not met
* monitors own progress against objectives and plans
--Teamwork and partnership
* includes individuals in team activities and capitalizes on diverse skills and ideas
* accepts responsibility for team goals
* resolves issues within the team or partnership
|
