Crop Production Systems Scientific Program Manager

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

97d

About The Position

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Production Systems Team seeks a dynamic, self-starter to serve as Scientific Program Manager (SPM) the crop research portfolio. This role offers an opportunity to drive innovation through research partnerships that improve crops and cropping systems. The SPM will provide technical leadership, cultivate scientific partnerships, and manage programs and projects for both existing and emerging crop research initiatives at FFAR. The position offers collaboration with leading scientists in industry, academia and other research-focused organizations to fund innovative research with practical applications in U.S. agriculture. This new role requires strong interpersonal skills, proven project management abilities and broad technical expertise in crop research. Preferred qualifications include expertise in one or more of the following technical areas: agronomy, cropping systems research, precision agriculture, predictive breeding or data analytics and modeling. The SPM will be an active, contributing member of the FFAR Scientific Program Team and will also have opportunities to collaborate with other teams at FFAR, including Partnerships & Development, Communications & Legislative Affairs and Grants, among others. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. The Foundation pioneers scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical research gaps. Ultimately, FFAR’s partnership and results benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. FFAR focuses our work on four Priority Areas: Cultivating Thriving Production Systems, Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems, Bolstering Healthy Food Systems and Strengthening the Scientific Workforce. This position will support the crops research portfolio within the Production Systems Team. The crop production systems portfolio invests in research to advance 1) Crop Resilience and Productivity; 2) Economically Viable Systems and 3) Agricultural Stewardship applicable to U.S. agriculture systems. The portfolio includes projects ranging from genetic improvement of yield and resilience traits, to developing new crops and production systems that benefit both producers and the environment to the development of innovative tools that accelerate genetic crop improvement across crops. The SPM will participate in the design and have oversight of programmatic management and evaluation of research activities spanning the breadth of the portfolio. The SPM will be expected to ensure funds are expended in line with FFAR’s overall strategic priorities and policies. The SPM will report to the Production System’s scientific program director for crop research.

Requirements

• Doctorate or equivalent degree in a relevant agricultural, plant science or related field
• Deep technical expertise in crop research
• Knowledge of innovation trends and emerging technologies in crop research
• Familiarity with research and scientific issues in commercial crop agriculture
• Proven experience in program or project management, including managing budgets, timelines and deliverables
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple programs and timelines simultaneously, including working across multiple complex projects in different agricultural research areas
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate long-term projects from proposal through completion
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders in public and private sectors
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to both technical and nontechnical audiences succinctly and effectively
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to address challenges as they arise and adapt programs based on lessons learned
• Proven ability to work cross functionally within an organization
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm and diplomacy both individually and as part of a team
• Highest levels of personal and professional integrity, along with a sense of humor

Nice To Haves

• Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: Data analytics and modeling, Predictive breeding, Agronomy, Precision agriculture, Cropping systems research
• Experience contributing to research strategy development and program scoping/landscaping processes
• Experience designing and managing competitive funding mechanisms such as Requests for Applications (RFAs) or prize competitions
• Familiarity with grants management processes
• Experience with agreement development, review and negotiation in collaboration with legal counsel
• Familiarity with intellectual property considerations in research funding agreements

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Crop Production Systems Team to prioritize, develop and manage crop research initiatives
• Oversee existing crop research programs and projects, ensuring goals are met, outcomes are achieved and deliverables are completed on time
• Direct ongoing projects by facilitating meetings, resolving challenges, tracking progress and communicating results and impacts
• Manage the establishment of new funding awards from proposal solicitation through agreement execution and award, in coordination with Grants, Finance and Communications Teams
• Participate in the development of new crop research funding programs by building relationships with funders and research partners to define scope, funding mechanisms (e.g., RFAs, prizes) and implementation plans to advance innovation in U.S. crop production systems
• Provide technical expertise in landscaping efforts and research strategy development in the crop research space
• Partner with the scientific program director and Partnerships & Development Team to lead and support stakeholder communications in defining crop research priorities
• Represent FFAR to external stakeholders in public and private sectors to build research partnerships and leverage resources
• Apply a continuous improvement approach to adapt and strengthen new and existing programs based on lessons learned
• Foster a culture of open communication, teamwork and mutual respect in all internal and external engagements

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance
• 100% company paid Dental and Vision Insurance for employee and family
• 100% Life and Disability Insurance
• 6% 401k Match – fully vested after first contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Robust Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• On-Site Gym with Free Access for Employees
• Training and Developmental opportunities
• Remote work available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree