Research Assistant in the STAR-FARM project

Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)

The French National Institute of Research for Development (Institut de Recherche pour le Dévelopement, IRD) is a leading scientific authority on major development issues and an internationally recognized multidisciplinary organization. It is under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. For more than 75 years, it has been carrying out original research, expertise, training, and knowledge sharing for the benefit of territories and countries that make science and innovation one of the main levers for their development. The position will be in the research unit UMMISCO and hosted by the IRD/TLU ACROSS Laboratory.

STAR-FARM Project

The STAR FARM project, coordinated by the FAO, is financed by the EU Delegation in Vietnam for 4 years, as part of the DeSIRA program. It brings together several partners, including IRD, to address, through the most vulnerable groups, the possibility of developing more sustainable agri-food systems in the Mekong Delta, based on the adoption, at small and large scales, of agro-ecological practices and an in-depth study of their impacts on soil health, value chains and carbon emissions. Through capacity building in key agro-ecological innovations (KAEIs), business development, green finance and sustainable standards, the project will help entrepreneurs and farmers develop their skills in sustainable farming systems and agribusiness development.

Hanoi at laboratory ACROSS (https://across-lab.org/) with frequent travels to fields.

Mission

We are looking for a skilled research assistant interested in working in a multidisciplinary context, to join our team as part of the STAR FARM project. The candidate will be responsible for assisting research activities on the role of women, youth, and disadvantaged groups in the adoption of innovative practices, which corresponds to activity 2.1.2 of the project proposal. Key responsibilities include organizing field visits, facilitating effective communication between the research team and local partners, supporting research and implementation activities, and contributing to project reports. 

Activities 

– Organize of field trips, focus groups, workshops, and training activities;

– Maintain communication with local authorities and ensure the smooth implementation of activities at the project sites;

– Conduct interviews and data collection in collaboration with the research team;

– Monitor research and implementation progress and maintain contact with interviewees during and after activities;

– Support data analysis and reporting.

Education

At least a Bachelor’s degree in development studies, social sciences, agricultural management or related fields.

Skills

• Knowledge of the academic and NGO environment in the field of agro-ecology, specifically in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. 
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and Vietnamese. 
• Excellent writing and editing skills using MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). 
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to adapt to multiple priorities. 

Aptitudes

• Ability to work in a team and in a multicultural environment.
• Respect for deadlines and an appetite for group facilitation.

Send CV and cover letter before 30th January 2026 to Ms. Huynh Linh, IRD Researcher, huynhtplinh@gmail.com or linh.huynh-thi-phuong@ird.fr

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We appreciate the interest of all applicants and thank you for taking the time to apply.