Research Associate

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Work type:Research Faculty
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Plant & Environmental Sci
Location:Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories:Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

This position will perform all aspects of research and development in grain crops variety testing and research, including setting up research tests from desk to field, data management, statistical analysis, production of Extension publications, interfacing with Extension agents, other research team members, research facility directors and staff, growers, company representatives and other stakeholders. The individual in this position has the discretion and freedom to pursue research goals under limited supervision and will supervise hourly wage employees and assist in supervision and assistance of graduate students. Research and demonstration coordination will involve independent modification and adaptation of standard research protocols in response to current challenges. The individual in this position will have input into budget preparation, decisions regarding program hiring, coordination of personnel and expenditures, but is not a principle investigator. The individual will handle grain crop testing payments and interactions with seed company representatives. They will also assist with grant management within the program and will participate in research proposal development and presentations and will attend professional meetings, field days and conferences. Research plot planting, management, data collection and harvest will take place at multiple, diverse locations throughout Virginia. Overnight travel will be required at planting and harvest. Demands of this position include broad knowledge of crop science and a good working knowledge of principles and practices of related fields. Laboratory experience, particularly soils experience is preferred. A high level of competence with MS Office products and statistical analysis software is required.

Required Qualifications

M.S. degree in crop science, agronomy or related field; Field research experience

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of grain crop management; Experience with small plot agronomic research; Working knowledge of agronomic crop production principles and their impact on crop management; Laboratory experience; Ability to work on multiple projects using independent judgment; Interact effectively with faculty/staff and agricultural clientele; Ability to operate and maintain computerized data management systems; Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

Salary Information

52,500 - 61,500

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Olga Walsh at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.