Research Specialist Senior

About the role

The Senior Research Specialist is a full-time position within the Division of Plant Science & Technology in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri. This role is part of the Missouri Grape and Wine Institute (GWI) and is based on the UM campus in Columbia, Missouri. The incumbent functions as a member of the viticulture program team, collaborating with GWI faculty to advance the program through effective project management, field experimentation, data collection and analysis, report preparation, and support for workshops, conferences, field days, and short courses. The position emphasizes field duties to maintain research plot health and assist with data collection, while also working closely with the Missouri grape and wine industry to meet educational needs. Under faculty guidance, the specialist supervises and coordinates the management of research vineyards.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective and efficient management of viticulture program projects, including establishing and maintaining research plots, ordering supplies and equipment, and maintaining equipment.
• Conduct viticulture experiments; collect, manage, and statistically analyze data; prepare reports and assist with manuscripts.
• Provide assistance for workshops, conferences, field days, and short courses; maintain research files and records.
• Execute field duties as needed to maintain the health of research plots and assist with field data collection.
• Work closely with the Missouri grape and wine industry to support the industry’s educational needs.
• Supervise and coordinate the management of research vineyards, including pruning, canopy management, fruit load management, pest management, pesticide application, nutrient management, irrigation, and harvest.
• Monitor vineyards for pests and implement pest management programs aligned with common commercial practices for the region; keep accurate records of pest management activities and material inventories.
• Coordinate vineyard development activities: site preparation, trellis construction, planting and grafting, and irrigation installation.
• Provide training and supervise additional vineyard personnel.
• Schedule work assignments and provide training in pesticide and equipment safety.
• Supervise additional vineyard personnel and internal and external contractors to assure vineyard success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Qualifications

Master’s in viticulture, plant sciences, soil sciences, agronomy, or a related field, or two or more years of commercial vineyard experience is desired. The successful candidate must obtain Missouri Pesticide Applicator certification within three months of hire.

Skills

• Pruning, canopy management, fruit load management, pest management, pesticide application, nutrient management, irrigation, and harvest techniques.
• Viticulture experiment design and execution.
• Data collection, management, and statistical analysis.
• Report writing and manuscript assistance.