Senior Research Specialist

Texas A&M University System•College Station, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Texas A&M AgriLife Research seeks a Senior Research Specialist to work in College Station, Texas. JOB DUTIES: Support the implementation of a research synthesis and policy initiative, focused on creating an agricultural system and food environment that supports human health through nutrition while ensuring the system is economically robust and environmentally sustainable for future generations. Under general supervision, conduct literature-based research and prepare research summaries and analysis; and participate in writing research reports, research papers and research grants. Track relevant project activities, handling inquiries, organizing meetings and workshops, and developing materials for project staff and research participants. Assist senior staff in the development of programs/projects. Supervise or assist with the supervision of support staff. Ensure the program or project meets its stated objectives. May assist senior staff in the development of programs/projects, including developing prospectuses and raising funds. Lead assigned program(s) or project(s); and communicate with and facilitate the flow of information among principal Investigators and members, consultants, program or project sponsors, and staff. Prepare reports on program or project activities. Identify and gather research materials; conduct background research; synthesize and edit research findings and technical data; determine relevance of data and prepare background papers and technical summaries; and manage reference checking. Organize meetings; and develop agendas, invite presenters and participants, oversee meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepare written summaries. Develop written materials and coordinate/oversee publication of materials; and edit reports, facilitate response to review, and participate in dissemination activities, including identification and engaging of external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings. Assist with supervising and mentoring staff; assign tasks and provide guidance and feedback to staff; ensure required training is accomplished and participate in performance reviews; and serve as a resource to support staff. Perform financial and administrative tasks related to assigned program(s) or project(s); create, maintain, and update records, databases, and files; and authorize expenditures, track spending, monitor budgets, and project future spending plans. Represent the program/project within and outside the Institute for Advancing Health (IHA); and collaborate with experts and sponsors from government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. May assist in raising funds for current and future projects by conducting research on topics for new studies, writing proposals, and identifying potential sponsors; and where applicable, participate in managing funder/member/alumni relations. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Public Policy, International Policy, or related field
Ten (10) years of experience as a manager or coordinator of agricultural research or public policy programs in a non-profit research organization, including ten years of experience in each of the following: managing projects related to responsive agriculture and policy; leading implementation of projects to promote efficiency and grow the portfolio; and working with various national or international research, community, or government organizations and agencies

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of a research synthesis and policy initiative
Conduct literature-based research and prepare research summaries and analysis
Participate in writing research reports, research papers and research grants
Track relevant project activities, handling inquiries, organizing meetings and workshops, and developing materials for project staff and research participants
Assist senior staff in the development of programs/projects
Supervise or assist with the supervision of support staff
Ensure the program or project meets its stated objectives
Lead assigned program(s) or project(s)
Communicate with and facilitate the flow of information among principal Investigators and members, consultants, program or project sponsors, and staff
Prepare reports on program or project activities
Identify and gather research materials; conduct background research; synthesize and edit research findings and technical data; determine relevance of data and prepare background papers and technical summaries; and manage reference checking
Organize meetings; and develop agendas, invite presenters and participants, oversee meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepare written summaries
Develop written materials and coordinate/oversee publication of materials; and edit reports, facilitate response to review, and participate in dissemination activities, including identification and engaging of external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings
Assist with supervising and mentoring staff; assign tasks and provide guidance and feedback to staff; ensure required training is accomplished and participate in performance reviews; and serve as a resource to support staff
Perform financial and administrative tasks related to assigned program(s) or project(s); create, maintain, and update records, databases, and files; and authorize expenditures, track spending, monitor budgets, and project future spending plans
Represent the program/project within and outside the Institute for Advancing Health (IHA); and collaborate with experts and sponsors from government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations
Assist in raising funds for current and future projects by conducting research on topics for new studies, writing proposals, and identifying potential sponsors; and where applicable, participate in managing funder/member/alumni relations
Other duties as assigned