The Daugherty Water for Food Institute works collaboratively with the University of Nebraska faculty, administrators, and staff, along with external partners, both domestically and internationally. This position will work directly with the Director of Research of DWFI in the execution of research and technical transfer projects, preparation of reports, and, in collaboration with the DWFI communications team, communicate progress. The ideal candidate will possess the research knowledge and aptitude to ensure projects are progressing on established timelines and protocols, including communicating outcomes. National and international travel will be required to evaluate progress and otherwise support ongoing research projects with partners. The position will manage the Visiting Scholars program of DWFI by ensuring visa applications are processed with the International Students and Scholars Office at UNL, along with acclimating the scholars to the University system. The position supports and/or initiates the development of research and technical proposals to obtain external funding.
DUTIES:
60% In coordination with DWFI Director of Research, and in collaboration with other members of the DWFI leadership, manage new and ongoing DWFI projects. This will include follow up with partners both within the University system and external to the system, both domestic and internationally, preparing technical reports and written communication, tracking project timelines and budgets, organizing meetings, and preparing minutes. Instrumental in evaluating and monitoring progress on faculty driven projects, seed funding projects, and other research related activities, such as DWFI’s Graduate Student and Post-Doctoral Scholar programs. Provides input and direction related to the research of mentioned projects. National and international travel will be expected to evaluate progress of ongoing research projects with partners, as well as to gather data and information in the field.
25% Supports and/or initiates the development of research and technical proposals in coordination with the DWFI Proposal Development Coordinator. Participates in brainstorming and preparation meetings, gathering and synthesizing technical information, writing technical segments for proposals, and following up with partners.
10% Manages the Visiting Scholar and International Graduate programs by coordination with the Business Center Personnel Generalist to initiate the preparation of the required VISA paperwork (J-1, H1-B), conduct English language proficiency interviews, receive incoming scholars, and aid them in settling into life in Lincoln. Facilitate their introduction to the University and Faculty Fellows, aid in completion of internal UNL paperwork and documents (NUID, benefits, etc.). Help mentor them during their period at the Institute.
5% Represent the Director of Research at certain meetings (technical, financial) as needed and appropriate.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
- A Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering with a water or agricultural emphasis.
- At least three years of demonstrated project coordination experience in the academic, public, or private sector.
- Experience with project management and/or supervisory experience.
- Technical skills and working knowledge in relevant science to DWFI, such as spatial sciences and agricultural water management.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Good technical, analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to multi-task and work independently.
- Recordkeeping and computer skills.
- Demonstrated skills in communicating and coordinating activities with complex teams of professionals from diverse backgrounds, synthesizing, and developing written content.
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and independently make and/or implement decisions in a time-sensitive environment.
- Demonstrated ability to write proposals and manage projects.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work closely with high-level University administrators and faculty.
- Demonstrated ability to interact successfully with faculty and staff from all four University of Nebraska campuses and associated departments and units
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5 years of demonstrated project management experience in the academic, public, or private sector.
- Strong background in water productivity and water footprint assessment, agricultural water management, use of remote sensing and geographical information systems, crop modeling, use of different data sources and data visualization and/or modeling tools to interpret high-resolution spatial data sets.
- Ability to collaborate and develop interdisciplinary research projects with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute’s faculty fellows and other faculty in the University system.
