The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) is now recruiting a research coordinator.
This announcement aims to recruit an experienced researcher who will take charge of the core operations of the institute with a view to promoting its research activities. The job description is described below.

Detailed requirements and application documents (jREC-IN Portal)

Strategic Information and International Collaboration Enhancement to Support International Research in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

Research Division

Information and Public Relations Office (1 person)

Research description

In recent years, in the field of international research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, it has become increasingly important to disseminate knowledge and technologies that contribute to solving local issues as a result of advances in science and technology and changes in policy environments. In emerging countries of Asia and Africa, in particular, there is a need not only to be knowledgeable of international trends and policy issues but also to strengthen collaboration with relevant organizations and stakeholders towards promoting the local adaptation of agricultural technologies and the application of research outcomes. In this way, the research coordinator plays a crucial role in terms of collecting and analyzing information strategically across programs and fields as well as contributing much to the administrative and public relations activities of JIRCAS.
The research coordinator will research and analyze domestic-international trends in science and technology and policy discussions as well as organize information that contributes to solving global issues in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries as basis for exchanging opinions with relevant organizations, formulating research strategies, preparing public relations materials and reports, and disseminating information at international conferences. Besides, the coordinator will work to advance the utilization of research outcomes and the strengthening of international networks in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, international organizations, and local administrative or research institutions. In carrying out these tasks, the coordinator must be dedicated enough to ensure expertise and continuity in establishing a long-term strategic information and partnership system at JIRCAS.
The candidate must possess not only the knowledge-cum-practical-experience for the job, but also an international mindset, strong coordination skills, and a proactive attitude to collaborating with domestic and international stakeholders. Additionally, given a non-fixed term of employment, the candidate is expected to contribute to the development of international research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and to the amelioration of social issues by means and in the form of accumulated know-how and built long-term partnerships with JIRCAS.

Examples of research topics

Research and Analysis of Science-Technology Trends in International Agriculture
By way of literature reviews and attendance at international conferences, information on the latest trends in agricultural-forestry-fisheries technologies, research and development, and global policy issues particularly in Asia and Africa is gathered and processed. The knowledge thus obtained is used to formulate research strategies, exchange opinions with relevant organizations, and to hold public relations activities.
Support for Building Networks to Strengthen International Collaboration
To strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, international organizations, and local administrative or research institutions, coordination activities such as information exchange meetings and workshops will be undertaken to promote collaborative research. Support will be provided for building networks with various stakeholders to facilitate the international expansion of research activities.

Keywords

Fields of Expertise: International collaboration, analysis of science and technology trends, research strategy formulation, international agriculture, forestry and fisheries policy
International Qualifications: Proficiency in Japanese sufficient for daily work, English communication skills, experience in collaborative research with foreign researchers, experience in research activities abroad, experience presenting at international conferences and workshops, ability to coordinate and collaborate in multicultural environments.