Date of posting here June 27, 2010 Type of position Full-time Employer United Soybean Board Description of Employer SmithBucklin (http://www.smithbucklin.com), the association management company responsible for managing domestic programs for the United Soybean Board (http://www.unitedsoybean.org) is seeking a Research Director to join the Production Research team. Location St. Louis, Missouri Salary Confidential Closing date of competition 7/20/2010 Date position available 6/28/2010 Description of duties The Research Director is responsible for management of selected USB-funded soybean production research projects and initiatives with emphasis in the yield and composition strategic areas and on biotechnology and analytical measurements. The incumbent will serve as a technical resource person for the Board and other USB programs and initiatives dealing with emerging soybean research issues. Role/ Responsibilities: Requests for Proposals, evaluation of submitted proposals, presentation of proposals for committee consideration, and evaluation of project progress. Oversee the work of principal investigators related to projects funded by the Production Program and the scientific/technical aspects thereof. Provide strategic oversight and direction to project Review Panels as needed. Provide staff support to USB Committees, Initiatives, Task Forces and leadership teams to develop, implement and evaluate the production research program strategic and tactical approaches. Provide technical expertise and counsel to USB on selected soybean production research and initiative activities Assist the Production Program Manager, the Production Committee and Initiative leadership in the development and implementation of effective USB production research projects in cooperation with industry, universities, government research agencies, private consultants, Qualified State Soybean Checkoff Boards (QSSBs), and regional soybean research programs such as the North Central and Southern Soybean Research Programs (NCSRP and SSRP). Facilitate Committee and Initiative understanding and consideration of research proposals for funding. Monitor and report on progress of funded research projects and evaluate contractor performance and progress against project goals and objectives. Provide technical expertise to other USB Committees, Initiatives and Task Forces on an as needed basis as well as to QSSBs and regional soybean research programs as requested. Internal Working Relationships: Interact with program managers, the financial management support team, and other program directors concerning oversight of funded projects and other service to USB. External Working Relationships: Interact extensively with public and private sector scientists concerning research developments, needs and direction, with other subcontractors and allied organizations, and with USB Directors and executive staff concerning program development, implementation and evaluation. Qualifications sought Ph.D. required. Concentration in one or more of the following; plant science field, with plant breeding, seed quality, plant chemistry, plant pathology, or molecular biology preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in agriculture with a mixture of research and project/program management. Experience with agribusiness and/or non-profit agricultural organizations preferred. Experience in soybean or other crop composition/quality or product processing. Strong communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills Demonstrated history of being able to translate scientific data/information to non-technical audiences (e.g. farmers) critical PC experience with Windows operating system and a variety of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Application procedure   Submit what If interested in this position, apply online at: https://www3.apply2jobs.com/SmithBucklin/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showSearchInterface Enter req#: USB-268 Submit to Applicants interested in the position must apply online.