Organization: The Kansas Soybean Association
Job Title: Research Assistant
Job Classification: Part-Time; Contract
Reporting Relationship: Administrator & CEO
The Kansas Soybean Association is launching a new contract Research Assistant position with the opportunity of 500-1,000 hours per fiscal year (July1-June 30) with a heavier workload October-December annually. Interested parties, please send a written contract proposal that includes contractor billing rate, relevant experience, and your availability to begin to Kaleb Little by COB September 15 via email little@kansassoybeans.org or by mail to 1000 SW Red Oaks Place, Topeka, KS 66615.
Primary Accountability:
The Research Assistant works with the KSC Administrator & KSA CEO to organize and oversee a strategic soybean research and education program to improve Kansas soybean farmer profitability. This position will work closely with research institutions in Kansas, with national and regional research groups, and with the agricultural industry to strategically invest checkoff dollars in areas that drive the best ROI for Kansas soybean farmers, while avoiding duplication of programs. This contract position is responsible for seeking projects and advising farmer leaders on investments that align with the KSC strategic plan and mission, maintaining the research budget, and supporting the work of Kansas Soybean farmers.
 
Major Duties:

• Coordinate program/project development, contract development and compliance, budget preparation and program/project evaluation. Identify, analyze, and communicate timely and relevant research information that impacts KS soybean producer profitability.
• Assist the Director of Operations & Finance in facilitating KSC’s annual “request for proposal” research grant process. Facilitate the farmer review process in a way that ensures strategic investment of checkoff dollars.
• Work with researchers, contractors, universities, soybean producers, other state soybean councils and other national organizations to identify soybean production challenges that can be addressed through research and potential collaborative efforts.
• Manage KSC project information and reports posted by PI’s in the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database and the Soybean Research & Information Network.
• Work with the Communications Director to communicate key KSC research activities and accomplishments to Kansas soybean farmers, media outlets and key partners.
• Work with the Director of Field Services to facilitate meetings and events with researchers, county representatives, soybean producers and other constituents to determine research needs and priorities, and deliver checkoff funded information and research results to Kansas soybean producers.
• Maintain effective relationships with ag organizations, universities, and related ag businesses interested in the research of soybeans and soy products. Attend regular industry meetings or meetings of external organizations of which KSC is a member.
• Represent KSC at appropriate soybean research field test plot days, crop tours, and KSU Extension outreach programs to highlight programs funded by the soybean checkoff and educate farmers on current issues.
• Periodically review research reports submitted by project PI’s for project status monitoring, challenges, concerns, contract deviations, or successes to highlight.
• Support KSC in setting long-term research priorities and gauging the success of funded projects upon completion.
• Serve as KSC subject matter expert on applied agronomic research and current on-farm practices and provide technical expertise to KSC team and board as requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, crop/weed science, grain science, soil science, plant breeding, plant pathology, entomology, or other closely related agriculture field; plus at least 5 years agriculture work experience preferred.
• Master’s degree or other advanced degree in an agriculture field a plus.
• Working knowledge of the soybean industry.
• Working knowledge of the land grant university system (particularly related to agricultural research and extension).
• Work experience developing and managing budgets and contracts.
• Highly motivated, organized, accurate and detail oriented with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of checkoff compliance requirements and structure a plus.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as job requires.
• Available to travel in Kansas and U.S. as needed. Furnish own vehicle for reimbursement of expenses at established federal mileage rate.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in setting priorities and organization of workload.

Work Environment:

• Remote position with some requirements to be at the Kansas Soybean office in Topeka or other meeting locations occasionally throughout the year.
• Part-time contract position with the opportunity of 500-1,000 hours per fiscal year (July1-June 30) with a heavier workload during the request for proposal cycle October-December annually.

Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.