Research Specialist

About the role

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland College Park was first established in 1888 and currently fosters research at all levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem) related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability. Researchers within the six academic departments in AGNR and many in other Colleges, such as the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS), use both campus-based research laboratories and four Research and Education Centers composed of 8 Facilities located across different land resource and physiographic regions of Maryland to conduct state-of-the-art research related to a wide array of topics including plant and animal genomics, infectious diseases, animal health, vaccine development, plant and animal physiology, basic biology, human health and nutrition, food safety, animal nutrition, environmental and ecosystem health, agricultural resources management and economics, water quality, soil and watershed sciences, bio‑energy, horticulture and landscape design, and the interface between agro‑ecosystem and aquatic environment. The Research Specialist reports to the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). This position is responsible for the comprehensive administration, reporting, and coordination of federal capacity and competitive research grants for the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). The role serves as the primary liaison between MAES, faculty, USDA‑NIFA, and campus administrative units, ensuring compliance with federal requirements while supporting faculty throughout the full grant lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Capacity grant management
• NIFA reporting
• Intramural grant administration
• Multistate research coordination
• Faculty support
• Organization of research‑related meetings, workshops, and reporting activities

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience in a related field
• Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education

Qualifications

• M.S. from an accredited college or university
• Prior experience working with USDA
• Prior experience with research administration in higher education
• Prior experience planning and managing meetings and events
• Ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders

Skills

• Proven organizational skills, including time management
• Project management experience
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Self‑sufficiency and the ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail

Pay

Salary Range: $83,271 - $99,925