Visiting Senior Research Specialist - Seed Quality, Soybean Innovation Laboratory (ACE)
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Agricultural and Consumer Economics
Visiting Senior Research Specialist - Seed Quality, Soybean Innovation Laboratory

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The Visiting Senior Research Specialist will focus on leading soybean seed quality research activities within the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL). This role involves working closely with international partners to advance seed quality as part of USAID's larger research for development strategy that seeks to develop sustainable agricultural practices and address global food security challenges.

Visiting Senior Research Specialist - Seed Quality, Soybean Innovation Laboratory

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Visiting Senior Research Specialist is to lead soybean seed quality research and manage the day-to-day operations of the Seed Quality research programs within the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL), including conducting research, strategic research management, and technical reporting of research findings to multiple audiences from scientific to seed practitioners. The primary responsibilities of the Visiting Senior Research Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Lead seed quality studies by designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and producing innovations in soybean seed viability and quality improvements institutions in the African context.
• Collaborate with domestic and international research partners to advance seed quality practices, introduce resilient seed varieties, and enhance soybean productivity in diverse agricultural environments, aiming to support food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Author comprehensive manuscripts and reports for SIL and USAID, summarizing research outcomes from the seed quality programs and providing actionable recommendations for advancing soybean seed quality.
• Represent SIL in domestic and international research activities and events relevant to soybean seed quality, presenting findings and fostering partnerships to advance SIL's impact.
• Identify and pursue new partnerships, collaborations, and initiatives that align with SIL's seed quality goals, expanding the program's reach and influence.
• Strategically oversee the implementation and evaluation of SIL's seed quality initiatives, ensuring deliverables, timelines, and budget objectives are met.
• Support proposal development efforts related to seed quality for both internal (University of Illinois) and external funders, including USAID, to secure resources that expand the scope and sustainability of SIL's seed quality research initiatives.
• Develop and implement performance metrics for seed quality programs, tracking effectiveness and continuously improving program outcomes to meet SIL's research and development goals.
• Lead regular conference calls, meetings, and webinars with team members and collaborators to enhance SIL's seed quality research programs' scope, scale, and impact.
• Other assigned duties.

Position involves international travel and effectively managing varying time zones.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience

Required:

• Master's degree in agriculture, agronomy, seed science, plant science, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in seed quality research, with a strong track record in designing, conducting, and analyzing seed-related studies.
• Three years of experience with tropical soybean production systems.
• Extensive international experience in seed quality research, particularly within African agricultural environments, with a strong understanding of unique agronomic challenges and seed performance requirements in developing regions.

Required:

• PhD degree in a similar field, with a focus on seed quality, plant breeding, or crop science.
• Experience in developing and implementing training modules or workshops on seed quality for international partners.
• Experience in developing performance metrics and evaluating program effectiveness to make data-driven decisions.
• Experience in managing agricultural research programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of soybean genetics, focusing on understanding genetic traits that influence seed quality, yield, and resilience.
• Expertise in seed quality assessment techniques, data collection, and analysis relevant to soybean crops.
• Expertise in seed quality tests according to ISTA Rules for testing seeds and specialized knowledge in assessing seed quality for tropical environments.
• Understanding of agricultural systems, crop production cycles, and plant genetics with a specific emphasis on seed quality and viability.
• Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools commonly used in agricultural research.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in technical reports or peer-reviewed journals in the past three years.
• Willingness and capability to travel internationally and effectively manage varying time zones.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and adaptability to address project challenges.
• Ability to conduct outreach and present research at conferences, webinars, and other public forums to expand the visibility of SIL's seed quality programs.
• Awareness of diverse international cultures, practices, norms, and institutions.
• Ability to think creatively, strategically, and conceptually.
• Ability to write clearly for various audiences and outlets.
• Ability to lead and collaborate effectively within a creative team, interacting professionally and productively with staff across all organizational levels.
• Skill in thriving within a fast-paced team setting, managing multiple deadlines, budgets, programs, and activities efficiently.

Appointment Information
This is a full-time (100% FTE, 12-month professional) position. This position may become non-visiting at a later time dependent upon funding and/or programmatic needs. The proposed start date is March 16, 2025. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000.

If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on February 3, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

For further information, please contact Dr. Michelle da Fonseca Santos via e-mail at mdfsanto@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1028641
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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