Research Specialist Senior

Job Description

The incumbent will be responsible for day-to-day operations of a weed management field research program in agronomic crops (mostly corn soybean and wheat) and pasture/forage that encompasses approximately 50 trials per year throughout Virginia. Duties will include but are not limited to plot layout herbicide application planting data collection and harvesting. Familiarity with and ability to operate associated equipment (tractor planter drill pesticide sprayers plot combine etc.) is crucial as well as ability to safely load/unload and transport equipment. Duties will also include leading the execution of scientific protocols and technical data collection. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining equipment and facilities to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. To help accomplish these tasks the incumbent will supervise undergraduate hourly assistants. Additionally the incumbent will work closely with VT weed science faculty and graduate research assistants. For success the incumbent must have excellent written and oral communication as well as time management and organizational skills. Flexibility ability to prioritize positive attitude and problem-solving skills are highly desired. Overnight travel is required during the field season. Planting and harvest seasons may include late nights and weekend work. This position requires physical strength and ability to work in hot cold and sometimes adverse weather conditions. The incumbent must possess or have the ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license within six (6) months of employment.

Required Qualifications

B.S. degree in agronomy or related discipline; and/or equivalent years of training and work experience; Operational knowledge of corn and soybean agronomic and cultural practices (additional crops preferred including pasture/forage); Demonstrated experience with farm equipment (listed above); Pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire; Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs; Valid Drivers license and clean driving record; Fluency in English; Experience using Microsoft Office software.

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. degree; Previous small plot research experience; Experience in statistical analysis interpretation and presentation of data; Previous supervisory experience; Experience managing a multilocation field testing network; Experience working with regulated GMO material and associated USDA APHIS requirements; Experience with ARM software.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

47921 to 55000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

05/10/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction is unable to sponsor a visa for this position.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt 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 aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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