Position Description: The University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is seeking qualified candidates for an Assistant Research Scientist/Assistant Director for the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Peanut and Mycotoxin (Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab). This is a twelve-month fiscal year, non-tenure tract, faculty research scientist appointment in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The University of Georgia, Athens Campus. The University of Georgia is the Management Entity for the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development. The Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab selects, coordinates, supports, and evaluates effective and relevant research projects that benefit targeted Feed the Future countries as well as the United States. The focus of these research projects fall under the two general categories of (1) increasing the productivity and profitability of peanut production, and (2) mitigation of the negative impacts of mycotoxin contamination in peanut and other relevant crops.

As Assistant Director, the successful candidate will have primary responsibility to oversee the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab value chain research projects in targeted countries, which will involve coordination and engagement with Principle Investigators and other scientists, program partners, and USAID Missions. The incumbent will provide guidance on project strategies, including the integration of gender equality into research, and will lead the program’s monitoring and evaluation activities. The Assistant Director will also provide oversight of the proposed impact assessments of the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab research program, assist the Director in organizing and conducting program meetings, and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab Management Entity in the absence of the Director. This position will require domestic and international travel.

Basic Qualifications: Ph.D. in agricultural economics or related field. Knowledge of international agricultural value chain research especially in Africa; excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills; and ability to function independently and with teams of research and extension scientists. Strong computer (word processing/spreadsheet/presentation/database), and management and evaluation skills. Knowledge of Spanish, French or Portuguese and international experience a plus.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Funding for the position is 96% from the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab, with 4% from state funds.

Application: Send electronic version of the following application package to:

Dr. Dave Hoisington
Director, Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab
The University of Georgia
217 Hoke Smith Building
1225 South Lumpkin Street
Athens, GA 30602
E-mail:davehois@uga.edu
Phone: 706-542-2088

Applicants must submit the following documentation in electronic format: curriculum vita with statement of interest and qualifications for this position; official transcripts; four letters of reference; and any other information that reflects on professional qualifications. To assure full consideration, a complete application packet and all above documentation must be received in electronic format by 03 January 2014. Further consideration of applicants may continue until a suitable candidate is identified. The University of Georgia is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants regardless of gender or ethnic background. Effective January 1, 2008, the Board of Regents has enacted a “background check” policy for new hires in the system as a condition of employment. This policy can be found at: www.policies.uga.edu/FA/nodes/view/1124/Background-investigations. Upon offer of employment, candidate must complete the “Consent for a Background Investigation” form.

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