International Potato Center
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Ref: 2026/02/NRS/IND/ASIA
Research Associate - Agronomist
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for one (1) Research Associate - Agronomist for CIP South Asia Regional Center.
About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP's mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweet potato, and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture. For more information, please visit https://cipotato.org/about/.
About CSARC: The CIP South Asia Regional Center (CSARC), Agra, serves as a key hub for agricultural research and development focused on potato and sweetpotato systems in South Asia. The center supports research initiatives aimed at improving crop productivity, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices. It collaborates with national research institutions, government agencies, private players and development partners to promote innovative agricultural solutions.
About the position: The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary units at at CIP's office in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Agronomist will contribute scientific and technical expertise to field trials and research initiatives aimed at strengthening seed systems, improving adaptive agronomy practices, and enhancing productivity across diverse agro-ecologies. The position requires close collaboration with government & private sectors, research institutions, and farming communities to introduce climate-resilient, evidence-based technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct scientific trials on potato and sweet potato technologies, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, scientific papers, and other publications based on trial outcomes. Support the development and evaluation of adaptive and climate-smart agronomy practices through field trials and data analysis for potato and sweet potato across diverse agro-ecological zones.
- Prepare location-specific production guidelines, adaptive crop calendars, and recommend stress-tolerant, high-yielding varieties.
- Support the testing and evaluation of climate-smart agronomic practices such as precision irrigation, moisture conservation, mulching, and mechanized plantingIdentify productivity gaps and introduce improved seed systems, optimized plant populations, and efficient input-use practices.
- Monitor crop performance, pest and disease incidence, and support the evaluation of integrated pest management (IPM) practices within research trials. Support the establishment, management, and harvesting of on-farm demonstration and research plots for seed, root, and tuber crops. Develope training materials, technical guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to seed multiplication and adaptive agronomy practices. Train technicians, extension workers, and farmers through field schools, workshops, and capacity-building events.
- Conduct participatory technology evaluations to assess adaptation, suitability, and farmer acceptance.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical briefs, dashboards, and seasonal reports documenting research progress and outcomes. Collaborate and coordinate with key stakeholders, including ICAR, SAUs, State Departments of Agriculture, and private sector partners.
- Support the presentation of research findings at workshops, seminars, and scientific meetings.
- Support the Project Manager in project reporting, coordination of research activities, budgeting, and partner coordination,
- Contribute to the generation and documentation of research data for peer-reviewed publications and institutional knowledge products. Identify new geographies for Potato Seed & Chipgarde production, conducting successful demonstrations during off seasons.
- Collaborate with NBPGR & regional research institutes, facilitating the import and evaluation of new varieties in Indian conditions.
- In alignment with research objectives, coordinate field trial implementation and ensure proper management of research plots and experimental sites., ensuring timely execution of crop production, harvesting, post-harvest, and off-season management activities, including timely disposal of farm produce.
- The individual will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of farm operations, including planning, execution, resource allocation, and ensuring efficient day-to-day functioning.
- Supervise research technicians and support the coordination of field operations, labor activities, and efficient use of research resources.
- Monitor compliance with technical protocols, quality standards, and safety guidelines across all farm activities.
