The Research Manager reports to the Research Director and will be responsible for the management of all contract research services offered by Alpha Ag Research. Primary attention will be given to managing a comprehensive field research program and its team members to meet and exceed client expectations. Maintaining the safety and efficiency of all operations will be a priority. Promoting trust and reliability in the Alpha Ag Research brand by producing high quality field research that is both timely and precise is essential.
While this position has much management responsibility, the Research Manager will also participate directly in field operations of several scientific studies. This includes critical evaluation and proper implementation of protocols and procedures to create and capture high quality experimental data for clients in a timely manner. Responsibilities will focus on execution of product efficacy studies applied to small plot trials of corn and soybean row crops following defined research protocols.
The successful candidate will possess a positive attitude, integrity and willingness to learn. Attention to detail is a must. A demonstrated ability to collect and organize field trial data and samples in a timely manner from in-season evaluations is essential. Must be highly organized. Basic agronomic skills and the ability to work outdoors in a field setting will be required. Basic mechanical aptitude is preferred to operate and make necessary adjustments to research equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, planters, liquid side-dress equipment, sprayers and combines.
This is an excellent opportunity to work with leading edge agricultural innovators and a team of progressively focused ag research professionals to independently field test modern crop related technologies in the heart of corn and soybean production.
As a Research Manager you will…
While this position has much management responsibility, the Research Manager will also participate directly in field operations of several scientific studies. This includes critical evaluation and proper implementation of protocols and procedures to create and capture high quality experimental data for clients in a timely manner. Responsibilities will focus on execution of product efficacy studies applied to small plot trials of corn and soybean row crops following defined research protocols.
The successful candidate will possess a positive attitude, integrity and willingness to learn. Attention to detail is a must. A demonstrated ability to collect and organize field trial data and samples in a timely manner from in-season evaluations is essential. Must be highly organized. Basic agronomic skills and the ability to work outdoors in a field setting will be required. Basic mechanical aptitude is preferred to operate and make necessary adjustments to research equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, planters, liquid side-dress equipment, sprayers and combines.
This is an excellent opportunity to work with leading edge agricultural innovators and a team of progressively focused ag research professionals to independently field test modern crop related technologies in the heart of corn and soybean production.
As a Research Manager you will…
- Lead a small research staff to ensure proper execution of several corn and soybean research projects.
- Coordinate scheduling, communicate with employees and clients, oversee daily decision-making and problem solving, and assist with location planning and data dissemination.
- Administer and provide oversight of field trials of corn and soybean trials following established protocols.
- Complete protocol reviews, guide trial preparations, planting, and field plot maintenance to include spraying and fertility applications, plant tissue sample collections, data collection and harvesting research trails.
- Participate in task-related document creation and process review for job-related activities.
- Ensure trial preparations are completed to enable timely planting
- Oversee logistics of in-season treatment applications, evaluations and sample collections as required by trial protocols.
- Support quality data collection from planting through harvest for project reports and statistical analysis.
- Documented individual leadership skills including excellent organizational and record keeping skills.
- Ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with field research methodologies.
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Working knowledge of statistics and experimental designs.
- Knowledge of soil types and ability to identify well-drained highly productive uniform plot ground.
- Competency identifying plant stages, insect & disease pressures, effects of fertility or chemical application.
- Experience with large or small plot field research.
- Knowledge of crop production, local farming practices, and farm equipment operation.
- Ability to travel overnight seasonally approximately 10 nights per year.
- Experience with software for managing research trials. Must be willing to learn to use ARM software (Gylling Data Management)
- Experience with Google Suites
- Possess Iowa commercial applicator license (categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 10) or ability to obtain.
- Ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
- Occasional lifting of up to 60 lbs.
- Advanced degree in Agronomy, Weed Science, Plant Science or an Agricultural related area of study with at least 5 years of field research experience is preferred.
- BS in Agronomy, Weed Science, Plant Science or an Agricultural related area of study with at least 10 years of field research experience would be considered.
- Degrees in non-agriculture fields of study would also be considered with at least 12 years of appropriate work experience within an agricultural research operation.
- Experience conducting GLP and USDA regulated corn and/or soybean field trials is highly desirable.
- Competitive salary that is above industry average.
- Bonus structure that offers profit-sharing to incentivize you to excel in your role.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings options to help you plan for your future.
- Generous amount of paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays to promote work-life balance.
- Professional development opportunities. Attend conferences, workshops or other training sessions to help you stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in our field.
- Company culture that promotes Christian values of honesty, integrity and respect.
- Flexible schedule to work with employee's needs.