Faculty Specialist

University of Maryland

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The IR-4 project is a USDA/NIFA-funded program that supports specialty crops growers with pest management by facilitating new product registrations with the EPA. This position serves as the Northeast Region Field Coordinator (RFC) and Field Research Director (FRD) for the IR-4 project. As the RFC, this position works closely with the Regional Director, the national IR-4 leadership, and local stakeholders to identify priorities for pest management problems across the region. The RFC works with industry partners, IR-4 leadership, and researchers across the northeast region to coordinate research trials in support of pest management solutions. As an FRD, this position is responsible for carrying out magnitude of residue trials in support of the IR- 4 Food Use Program. This includes conducting trials in field and greenhouse settings where pesticides are applied and tissue samples are collected, preserved, and shipped to analytical laboratories. This work requires strict adherence to protocols and meticulous data collection and quality control. This position is entirely grant-funded, and the successful candidate will be required to apply for funding on an annual basis, manage grant budgets through the duration of the award, and complete all necessary quarterly and annual reporting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field.
Experience managing grant funding.
Experience designing and carrying out field research involving pesticide applications.
Experience operating farm tractors and sprayer equipment.
Knowledge of specialty crops grown in the Northeast Region.
Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field.
Experience carrying out research trials under Good Laboratory Practice.
Experience coordinating research projects with collaborators across multiple states.

Responsibilities

Identify needs of specialty crop growers in the region and synthesize this information for the IR-4 Food Use and Environmental Horticulture Workshops.
Coordinate research for trials in the northeastern region, identify research centers that can carry out residue, performance, and plant safety trials.
Review Standard Operating Procedures, data collection, and reporting for accuracy and compliance with EPA standards.
Provide quality control audit of data before sending to quality assurance.
Develop, retain, and grow a network of research and stakeholder collaborators across the region.
Recruit and retain liaisons in each state to facilitate communication with local stakeholders.
Document efforts across the region and provide reports on progress towards registration of new products for pest management in specialty crops.
Travel will be required to support collaborating scientists across the Northeast and to attend national IR-4 meetings.
Conduct field and greenhouse magnitude of residue trials that are prioritized by IR-4 Project Workshops.
Maintain certification in Good Laboratory Practice under 40 CFR part 160.
Maintain facility and equipment in compliance with standard operating procedures.
Calibrate equipment and maintain records of performance.
Coordinate with farm manager for placing research trials.
Maintain Maryland public agency pesticide applicator license (Category 10 - Research and Demonstration).
Compile data and reports to submit to IR-4 and EPA for product registration.