Job description:

This position will perform all aspects of research and development in small grain, soybean, and specialty crops breeding, variety testing, and agronomic research at Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research & Extension Center (AREC). The individual will serve as a liaison between the AREC and campus-based faculty and will lead in the visual field inspection of varietal lines for potential release, with emphasis on advancing segregation populations and progeny rows, and purifying the line before it is increased; which will include observation, notation, selection and removal of off-types in breeder seed, and collection of PVP data on selected lines. The individual in the position will also set up research tests, oversee data management, perform statistical analysis, and produce extension and peer-reviewed publications. The individual will have the discretion and freedom to pursue research goals under limited supervision from the AREC Superintendent, and may supervise hourly employees. This individual will assist with grant management, participate in research proposal development and presentation of results at field days, professional meetings, and conferences. The individual will be expected to have effective and professional interactions with campus-based and other AREC-based faculty, research team members and AREC staff, extension agents, company representatives, growers, and other AREC stakeholders. Research plot planting, management, data collection, and harvest will take place at the AREC and occasionally other off-site locations in Virginia. Early evening and weekend work may be required during planting and harvest. Demands of the position will require a broad knowledge of agronomy and/or crop science and a good working knowledge of applied field research. Individual must be able to drive and travel from the AREC to Virginia Tech’s main campus, other ARECs, and to on-farm test sites. Individual must be capable of working under strenuous outdoor conditions of extreme heat or cold, in dusty environments, as well as frequent walking, standing, and lifting of heavy objects. A high competence level of MS Office products, statistical analysis, and electronic data collection in the field is also required.

Required Qualifications:

M.S. degree in crop science, agronomy, plant breeding, or a related field; Applied field research experience and/or small plot research experience; Experience with MS office and statistical analysis; Good working knowledge of agronomic crop production principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience operating small plot research equipment i.e. plot planter and plot combine; Ability to work on several complex projects with limited supervision; Ability to oversee and operate computerized data management systems; Ability to interact and work closely with faculty, staff, extension agents, growers, and stakeholders within agricultural clientele. UAV operation experience. Have or ability to obtain a category 10 pesticide applicators license within 6 months of employment.

Contact Dr. Joseph Oakes, Superintendent of Eastern Virginia AREC for more info: jcoakes@vt.edu.

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