Research Program Manager

U W-MADISON DIV. CONTINUING STUDIES - Madison, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Madison, WI

About the position

The Research Program Manager at U W-Madison Division of Continuing Studies is responsible for transforming soybean and small grain research into actionable insights for agricultural professionals. This role encompasses communication, mentorship, data management, equipment design, educational material preparation, research, collaboration, and technical proficiency in various software and platforms. The position requires a strong work ethic and the ability to work under varying conditions, including long hours and adverse weather.

Responsibilities

• Deliver insights through speaking engagements at grower and professional meetings.
• Write Extension publications and contribute to professional journals.
• Create Internet content related to agricultural research.
• Train and mentor PhD and Master's graduate students in their thesis research.
• Guide undergraduate students during their summer internships.
• Convert individual data, documents, and GIS data into online shared resources.
• Design and fabricate field research equipment.
• Prepare educational materials, including soybean production fact sheets and Agronomy Advice articles.
• Conduct greenhouse studies on various crop and pest questions.
• Collaborate with Department faculty, county-based Extension staff, industry representatives, and funding agency personnel.
• Apply knowledge of pesticides, fertilizers, and other crop production inputs to field research and grower recommendations.
• Manage the soybean research project drone program as Chief Pilot.
• Demonstrate proficiency in software and cloud-based platforms such as Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MS SharePoint, SAS, ArcGIS, and statistical analysis software.

Requirements

• Strong communication skills for delivering insights and writing publications.
• Experience in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
• Proficiency in data management and GIS data conversion.
• Ability to design and fabricate research equipment.
• Experience in preparing educational materials for agricultural professionals.
• Knowledge of crop and pest research methodologies.
• Collaboration skills to work with various stakeholders in agriculture.
• Technical proficiency in software and cloud-based platforms relevant to agricultural research.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with drone technology and management.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software and photogrammetry.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Accommodations for applicants with disabilities