Research Specialist Lead

School of Natural Resources.

The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (UMCA) is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Specialist Lead to coordinate field management and execution of perennial crop breeding populations and associated research trials at the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm.

Performs professional technical project tasks and participates in a variety of research procedures.

• Performs a variety of assignments and analyses that impact the Research function.
• Analyzes and interprets results of studies, reports, and other data sources to aid in various research efforts.
• Solves problems in straightforward situations.
• Analyzes potential solutions using technical experience, judgment and precedent, providing input and recommendations.
• Impacts the quality of own work and the work of others on the team, ensuring efficient workflows, productivity, compliance, etc.
• Explains complex information to others in a manner that is understandable.

• Lead day-to-day field management and execution for UMCA perennial crop breeding populations and associated research trials. Coordinate management of an extensive research footprint comprising thousands of individual progeny across multiple breeding populations, research plots, and replicated trials. In collaboration with faculty and the Research Specialist Lead - Horticulture & Agroforestry Farm Operations, translate breeding and research objectives into seasonal field-management plans and ensure timely implementation.
• Coordinate establishment and cultural management of breeding and research plots while maintaining research integrity. Implement and coordinate activities including site and plot preparation, planting, irrigation, fertility management, weed control, pest and disease management, pruning and training, orchard-floor management, harvest, and related field operations. Ensure activities maintain plant identity, plot structure, experimental treatments, replication, and the long-term integrity of breeding and research materials.
• Monitor breeding-plot performance and improve management effectiveness and efficiency. Assess plant establishment, survival, growth, health, and plot condition; identify management problems; and recommend appropriate interventions. Work collaboratively with faculty and the Center for Agroforestry Farm Operations Lead to evaluate existing practices and develop improved management approaches that promote vigorous plant growth while improving labor, equipment, and management cost-benefit.
• Coordinate personnel, equipment, materials, and seasonal activities required for breeding-plot operations. Establish operational priorities based on plant developmental stage, research objectives, seasonal requirements, and available resources. Provide technical direction to staff, students, temporary employees, and other personnel assigned to breeding-plot activities and coordinate shared labor and equipment needs with broader UMCA farm operations.
• Support breeding research, phenotyping, selection, harvest, and data-related field activities. Work closely with faculty and research personnel to coordinate management activities with phenotyping, sample collection, harvest, selection, propagation, and other research activities. Communicate observations regarding plant performance, mortality, environmental stress, pest and disease problems, management effects, or other conditions that may influence interpretation of breeding trials.

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

A Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, plant breeding, agronomy, agroforestry, forestry, crop science, or a related field.

Experience managing perennial crops, orchards, breeding populations, field research plots, or comparable agricultural research systems.

Experience implementing field experiments or managing research plantings where plant identity, plot layout, experimental treatments, and accurate execution of research protocols are important.

Experience with perennial crop establishment and management practices, including vegetation management, fertility, irrigation, pruning, pest and disease management, and harvest.

Experience coordinating field crews, seasonal employees, students, equipment, and agricultural field operations.

Experience with plant breeding, germplasm evaluation, phenotyping, field data collection, or management of large plant populations is preferred.

• Possesses expanded conceptual knowledge of the Research function and broadens capabilities.
• Possesses knowledge of best practices within research and applies analytical knowledge developed from work experience.
• Knowledge of perennial crop management and field-research practices.
• Ability to organize and manage large and complex research plantings involving thousands of individual plants across multiple locations, populations, or experimental designs.
• Ability to recognize plant establishment, growth, health, and management problems and recommend appropriate responses.
• Ability to understand experimental objectives and conduct field operations without compromising plant identity or research integrity.
• Ability to evaluate management practices for effectiveness, scalability, labor requirements, and cost.
• Ability to coordinate multiple seasonal priorities and communicate effectively with faculty, research staff, farm personnel, students, and temporary employees.

Salary: $53,976 - $65,000 per year.
Grade GGS - 10
University Title : RESEARCH SPECIALIST LEAD
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

MU application

Resume/CV

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.