Principal Investigator

About the role

• Research Design: Lead the design and planning of research studies, experiments, and projects to address key agricultural research questions and priorities identified by USDA and stakeholders.
• Experimental Implementation: Oversee the implementation of research protocols, including field trials, laboratory experiments, and data collection activities. Ensure adherence to scientific standards, protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret research data using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques. Evaluate experimental results, identify trends, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Innovation and Technology: Explore innovative approaches and technologies to improve agricultural production, resource management, and sustainability. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate cutting-edge technologies into research projects.
• Publication and Dissemination: Prepare research manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for publication in scientific journals, conferences, and other outlets. Communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
• Collaboration and Networking: Collaborate with USDA scientists, academic partners, industry stakeholders, and other research organizations to leverage expertise, resources, and data for collaborative research initiatives.
• Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition: Identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and secure external funding to support research projects and initiatives. Manage research budgets and resources effectively.
• Project Management: Manage research projects from conception to completion, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting. Ensure project milestones and deliverables are met on time and within budget.
• Mentorship and Training: Provide mentorship and guidance to research staff, students, and interns involved in research projects. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and professional development.
• Policy and Advocacy: Engage in science policy discussions, advocacy efforts, and outreach activities to inform agricultural policy development and decision-making at local, national, and international levels.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant science, animal science, soil science, agricultural economics, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience conducting agricultural research, with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and external funding acquisition.
• Expertise in a specific area of agricultural research, such as crop science, livestock production, agricultural economics, agroecology, or sustainable agriculture.
• Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in statistical analysis, experimental design, and data interpretation using software such as R, SAS, or SPSS.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to lead interdisciplinary research teams, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with external partners.
• Experience in grant writing, project management, and budget oversight for research projects.
• Knowledge of USDA programs, priorities, and initiatives related to agricultural research and development.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research practices and team dynamics.

Additional Information: CORE COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork - ability to foster teamwork collaboratively as a participant, and effectively as a team leader
• Leadership - ability to guide and lead colleagues on projects and initiatives
• Business Acumen - understanding and insight into how organizations perform, including business processes, data, systems, and people
• Communication - ability to effectively communicate to stakeholders of all levels orally and in writing
• Motivation - persistent in pursuit of quality and optimal client and company solutions
• Agility - ability to quickly understand and transition between different projects, concepts, initiatives, or work streams
• Judgment - exercises prudence and insight in decision-making process while mindful of other stakeholders and long-term ramifications
• Organization - ability to manage projects and activity, and prioritize tasks

Other Requirements

• Business Tools - understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office. The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
• Commitment - to work with smart, interesting people with diverse backgrounds to solve the biggest challenges across private, public, and social sectors
• Curiosity - the ideal candidate exhibits an inquisitive nature and the ability to question the status quo among a community of people they enjoy and teams that work well together
• Humility - exhibits grace in success and failure while doing meaningful work where skills have an impact and make a difference
• Willingness - to constantly learn, share, and grow and to view the world as their classroom

Additional information

Risk Management | Compliance | Business Processes | IT Effectiveness | Engineering | Environmental | Sustainability | Human Capital