Posting Information

About the Department

The IR-4 Project is a national Federal/State partnership research program to assist farmers of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, ornamentals, and other specialty crops by facilitating registration of safe and effective chemical and bio-based pest management products. The IR-4 Project is needed because the crop protection industry focuses their research efforts on major crops such as corn, soybean, and cotton that provide the companies with adequate return on their development investment. Without IR-4, farmers of specialty crops would only have access to a few crop protection products to protect their crops. IR-4 Project Headquarters provides national leadership, coordination and regulatory compliance for the IR-4 Project research activities performed by approx. 120 scientists at over 20 public sector research farms and four analytical laboratories throughout the United States.

Essential Job Duties

The IR-4 Project Environmental Horticulture Ornamentals Program Manager position will be tasked to coordinate research and pesticide (bio-based and chemical) registration activities on non-food, ornamental plant species within the IR-4 Project. Specifically, this position will direct:

• The establishment of research priorities via a biennial stakeholder priority setting workshop.
• Oversee the establishment of the annual research program including development of research protocols, working with Regional Field Coordinators to identify research cooperators.
• Interface with representatives from registrants, trade associations, and regulatory agencies.
• Critically review results of field trials, assess if there is adequate data to support regulatory actions and/or use recommendations.

This position is aligned with the IR-4 Project mission to facilitate regulatory approval of sustainable pest management technology for specialty crops including ornamental crops and other environmental horticulture uses. Reporting to the Associate Director of Regulatory Sciences, the key duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

Ornamental Registration Support Research

• Working with the IR-4 Regional Field Coordinators, IR-4 Project Biologists and others, develop a robust ornamental field research program that develops efficacy and/or phytotoxicity data to support the registration of pesticides (bio-based, chemicals or emerging technologies) to answer stakeholder driven priority research projects.

Research Priority Setting

• Working with the IR-4 Regional Field Coordinators, IR-4 Project Biologists, IR-4 Operations team and others manage the priority setting process and establish research priorities for the Environmental Horticulture Program. Activities include:

Pesticide Company Interactions

• Routinely meet with representatives from crop protection industry to involve appropriate company products in IR-4 research. Share information on on-going IR-4 Project research activities and solicit updates on the status of registrant technology, including new products in a particular registrant portfolio.

Communication/Outreach Support

• Represent IR-4 at various regional, national, and international meetings and conferences regarding IR-4 Environmental Horticulture Program activities to manage pests and provide solutions to stakeholders. This includes commodity meetings and trade conventions. Attend the relevant scientific meeting(s) and participate on relevant committees. Field questions from stakeholders on IR-4 activities with pesticides by serving as resource.

Continued Enhancement of Electronic and Data Systems

• Cooperate with the IR-4 Technology Team and others in the design and implementation of appropriate processes and systems to increase efficiency and/or thru-put in the Environmental Horticulture Program including priority setting, research, reporting and sharing of data to support registrations.

Other Responsibilities

• Work in a cooperative manner with IR-4 biologists and other individuals at Headquarters and elsewhere. This includes coordinating activities with IR-4 Project Integrated Solutions platform activities.
  • Promptly provide accurate accountability information for grants and other reports to IR-4 Management.
• Willing to travel, including IR-4 meetings throughout the United States as well as international meetings.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• PhD in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science or related area, with at least 5 years of post-graduate experience with managing research or regulatory programs in the crop protection sciences with considerable knowledge and/or experience with ornamental horticulture crops. OR:
• Master of Science degree in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science or related area , with 8+ years of alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the Ph.D. degree on an exceptional basis. All degrees must be received from appropriate accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Ability to maintain attention to details, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well in both team and independent environments.
• Committed to excellence in customer service relations with internal (IR-4 Management, peers, Regional Field Coordinators, researchers) and external (producers, commodity/trade associations, registrants, EPA) stakeholders.
• Willingness to assist others when needed.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A PhD and minimum of five years of experience with Ornamental Horticulture crops.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)     

• Valid NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

• Job Open Date: 12/19/2024
• Anticipated Close Date: Open Until Filled

To Apply

• Submit your cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references by using the Apply to this Position option below.

Position Details

AA/EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process are welcome to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to the start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.