This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/11845694 Visiting Research Specialist

Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

The Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) is comprised of world-renowned faculty whose research and outreach programs influence national and international policy making on issues ranging from how producers, consumers, and agribusinesses manage risk and adapt to climate change to the impacts of new technologies, environmental regulations, federal laws on profitability and human well-being.

Be a part of our story.

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Soybean Value Chain Research (Soybean Innovation Lab, \"SIL\") within the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) at the University of Illinois is looking for an organized, professional, and knowledgeable individual to lead SIL research and development efforts in the role of a Visiting Research Specialist.

Visiting Research Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary function of the Visiting Research Specialist is to conduct soybean research and manage the day-to-day operations of the Pan-African Trial Program from the Soybean Innovation Lab, including, but not limited to, conducting research, analyzing data, reporting on program impacts and successes, maintaining databases, interacting with and supporting partner researchers and research institutions, and communicating with research faculty.

The Visiting Research Specialist must be detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and possess skills across a wide range of aspects. The position will require an ability to work independently across several areas including research management, database management, coordination/logistics, and reporting. The primary responsibilities of the Visiting Research Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with research partners in Africa to implement and manage variety trials
• Collect, manage, and report on data collected from variety trials across countries and research partner institutions
• Upgrade and maintain robust and informative databases
• Implement and organize program workflow and documents
• Support the Program Manager in improving data collection
• Deliver metrics on the program bi-monthly
• Develop visual outreach, communication, and educational products to effectively promote soybean trial implementation and data collection guidance
• Other Assigned Duties

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor\'s degree in a relevant field such as agricultural communication, agronomy, or international development.

• Experience can be concurrent:

  Experience in research for international agricultural development

  Experience in communicating with researchers and practitioners abroad

  Experience in research program coordination

Preferred:

• Master\'s degree in a relevant field such as agricultural communication, agronomy, or international development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to think creatively, strategically, and conceptually
• Demonstrated awareness of diverse international cultures, practices, norms, and institutions
• Project management and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to write clearly for various audiences and outlets
• Ability to work with others as part of a creative team and to interact in a professional and productive manner with staff at all levels of the organization
• Understanding of university, higher education, and international culture
• Demonstrated ability to work within a fast-paced, team environment managing multiple deadlines, budgets, programs, and activities

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS:

This is a full-time (100% FTE, 12-month professional) position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range for this position starts at \$40,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. This position may become non-visiting at a later time.

PROPOSED STARTING DATE:

The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.

APPLICATON PROCEDURES:

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three r