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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
The Study Director & Lead Weed Scientist position will be an integral part of the IR-4 Biology and Registrations teams. This position reports directly to the IR-4 Associate Director for Regulatory Sciences and National Laboratory Director. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Study Director - Protocol Development and Study Coordination 30%
- Provide technical direction for IR-4 residue studies conducted by cooperating scientists across North America in compliance with U.S. EPA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations (40 CFR Part 160).
- Develop approximately 5 national residue study protocols annually in collaboration with registrant companies, study scientists, and IR-4 biologists.
- Ensure protocols are scientifically sound, operationally feasible, and completed in advance of study initiation timelines.
- Direct and manage approximately 30 concurrent IR-4 residue studies across multiple locations and phases (field and laboratory).
- Monitor study progress, including applications, sampling, shipment, analysis, and reporting.
- Review and approve protocol deviations and ensure timely resolution of study issues.
- Maintain communication with cooperators, laboratories, and QA personnel to ensure studies are conducted in accordance with protocols and GLP requirements.
- Review study reports and data for completeness, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance, including application parameters, sampling procedures, storage conditions, and analytical results.
- Ensure all Quality Assurance findings are addressed and documented appropriately.
Study Director - Data Package Development 20%
- Prepare approximately 3 regulatory data packages annually in accordance with U.S. EPA (OPPTS) and/or international (e.g., FAO/JMPR) guidelines.
- Develop clear, complete, and submission-ready reports for review by QA, IR-4 management, industry partners, and regulatory agencies.
- Identify and resolve data gaps through coordination with research collaborators and laboratories.
- Apply extrapolation, crop grouping, and other strategies to maximize the utility of generated data.
- Collaborate with other Study Directors on data interpretation and report preparation.
Weed Science Leadership and Request for Assistance Management 20%
- Review and provide technical evaluation of all new IR-4 Requests for Assistance (PCRs) involving herbicides and plant growth regulators (PGRs) within the Food Program and, as needed, the Environmental Horticulture Program.
- Determine whether proposed uses are supported by existing federal and/or state registrations. When uses are not registered, assess data requirements based on product chemistry, use pattern, target weeds, crop sensitivity, and available data.
- Communicate with registrant companies to convey IR-4 assessments, determine interest in registration, and recommend next steps. Review and respond to company feedback as appropriate.
- Contribute to and lead discussions with industry partners regarding weed management technologies at IR-4 meetings.
- Identify potential research opportunities and maintain engagement with the IR-4 research network to encourage submission of new requests.
- Support priority-setting activities, including development of project lists, participation in regional calls, and facilitation of discussions at priority-setting workshops.
- Assist stakeholders with Priority Upgrade Proposals and Regional Upgrades and participate in selection processes. Provide technical recommendations to stakeholders based on current knowledge.
- Maintain current and accurate information in IR-4 databases related to herbicides and PGRs and assist with project closure following regulatory approvals.
- Maintain a working knowledge of weed science crop protection products, and modes of action and where there are gaps.
- Represent IR-4 at scientific and stakeholder meetings (e.g., Weed Science Society of America) and participate in relevant committees, as appropriate.
- Contribute to internal training, education, and knowledge-sharing activities within IR-4.
- Serve as a technical resource to stakeholders on weed management technologies and issues.
- Contribute to outreach and educational activities related to weed science and regulatory processes.
Product performance research 20%
- Collaborate with IR-4's national and weed science network to obtain information relevant to protocol development and study design.
- Develop and review efficacy and crop safety research protocols involving herbicides and PGRs.
- Provide technical guidance to cooperators conducting research and respond to protocol-related inquiries.
- Evaluate research results for protocol compliance and scientific quality.
- Prepare and distribute summary reports of research findings to stakeholders, including industry partners.
- Conduct site visits, as needed, to assess field trial performance and support research quality.
- Order test substance from suppliers and ensure collaborators receive samples.
- Collaborate with Study Directors to develop directions for use for GLP residue studies involving herbicides and PGRs.
- Provide subject-matter expertise during study conduct, including addressing issues related to product performance, crop injury, and crop biology.
Other responsibilities as assigned 10%
- Participate in IR-4, grower, and professional meetings; contribute to presentations and committees as appropriate.
- Travel is an expectation of this position (6-10 times per year).
- Assist other Study Directors and the Senior Study Directors in completion of projects.
- Maintain effective working relationships across IR-4 Headquarters and the broader research network.
- Provide general support for IR-4 Headquarters operations and research programs.
This position is based on-site at IR-4 Project Headquarters in the Venture IV Building on NC State University's Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC. Regular in-person attendance is required. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required during travel status or to meet project deadlines.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Experience/Education:
- Master of Science degree, with at least 8 years of full time experience in both field and greenhouse with weed science, or Ph.D. with at least 3 years of full time professional work experience in applied research in weed science.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to maintain attention to details, prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Must be comfortable to lead work groups and perform job functions closely with others.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible and willing to perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Science or PhD degree in horticultural or agricultural sciences with weed management experience in horticulture crops.
- Working knowledge of herbicides and plant growth regulators used in specialty crop production, the plant protection sciences (Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science), horticulture, or related area, and at least 3 (PhD) or 8 (M.S.) years of experience in applied pest management research/regulatory sciences and managing product efficacy studies with herbicides/PGRs.
Required License or Certification:
- Valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact [contact details available in the full listing] to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [contact details available in the full listing] or [contact details available in the full listing].
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 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.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [contact details available in the full listing] or [contact details available in the full listing].
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 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.
