RESEARCH CONSULTANT SR (Project Manager, National Cover Crop Variety Development)
University of Missouri - Columbia (MU)
Columbia, MO
Full-time
Consulting
Posted on April 3, 2024
Hiring Department
Division of Plant Science & Technology
Job Description
Coordinate development and implementation of a five-year, $10 million USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Systems project on cover crop variety development. This exciting and important project involves 37 collaborating scientists along with farmers and seed company representatives from across the U.S. The overall goal is to help develop improved varieties of cover crops and support a major expansion of cover crop adoption in the U.S. This position is part of a dynamic and growing staff team with the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture (www.cra.missouri.edu). Position can be based in Columbia, MO or as a remote position working from a home office or collaborating organization office.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the project team leads to strategize on direction and implementation of the national cover crop variety development program.
- Implement and coordinate a national cover crop variety test program with cooperating universities and other locations.
- Evaluate cover crop variety data and publish an annual report on results of the national cover crop variety test; communicate about the report information with the seed industry and farmers, including through the ag media.
- Help identify new regions for cover crop seed production and work with other team members on training farmers to grow seed of improved cover crop varieties.
- Interface with cooperating researchers from the cover crop breeding network and researchers who will be evaluating root growth, forage quality, and grazing potential of advanced breeding lines.
- Support commercialization of new cover crop varieties by sharing data and communicating with seed industry representatives.
- Promote regular communication among project team members, including facilitating monthly conference calls to exchange information on project updatesShare in a team effort to advance cover crop adoption among farmers across the U.S.
- As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.
Monday - Friday 40 hour work week, schedule negotiable.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in plant breeding, agronomy, plant ecology, or related plant sciences emphasis area.
Highest degree earned. Demonstrated knowledge of cover crops and variety testing, including direct experience with field testing of cover crops and variety comparisons. Excellent communication skills, especially working with individuals and small groups. Familiarity with data reporting on field trials, particularly comparisons of cover crop varieties and species. Strong organizational skills and ability to work as a self-starter. Ability to initiate and have timely follow-up on communications with collaborating partners.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $67,746 - $78,000 salary commensurate on experience.
Grade: GGS-12
University Title: Senior Research Consultant
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website athttps://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.
In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visithttps://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeoor call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
