Position Description

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Agricultural and Consumer Economics

i2i Visiting Research Specialist, Soybean Innovation Laboratory

Primary Position Function/Summary:

Innovation to Impact (i2i) is a USAID-funded initiative led by the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) and built off SIL’s successful project management experience, committed to addressing the training and management gap facing USAID Feed the Future (FtF) Innovation Labs. Lab managers were originally trained as academic research managers, thus bringing great expertise to the discovery stage of the product lifecycle. However, Feed the Future and its adoption of the product lifecycle framework requires Lab managers to steward their innovations through to sustained impact at scale and, by doing so, achieve appropriate returns on FtF research investments.

The primary function of the i2i Visiting Research Specialist to support USAID FtF Innovation Labs and other USAID funded initiatives on their i2i journey, with the ultimate goal of achieving impact from their research innovations through the application of the product lifecycle framework and industrial research approach. The i2i Visiting Research Specialist will manage data delivery, analysis, and reporting for the FtF Innovation Labs, development for the i2i learning platform, and timeline and budget management to ensure the research program is achieving deliverables within cost and time constraints.

The i2i Visiting Research Specialist must be highly organized, efficient, and possess excellent written and oral skills. The position will require an ability to work with little supervision to coordinate and monitor research program deliverables, data analysis, reporting, and monitoring.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

i2i Learning Platform

• Validate the content of the i2i Learning Platform, including video, audio, image, visual design as well as functionality design.
• Identify platform improvement opportunities through validation, testing, data analysis, and user feedback.
• Participate in meetings with service providers and be responsible for the meeting minutes and follow up as well as supporting payment processes for service providers.

i2i Data Analysis

• Engage and provide onboardings to the i2i cohort.
• Conduct periodic follow-up with the onboarding teams to assist with their engagement with the i2i platform.
• Identify trends and improvement opportunities and provide coaching accordingly.

i2i Reporting

• Assist the i2i manager in developing analytical reports.
• Assist the i2i manager in developing presentations used in relevant i2i events or meetings.

i2i Stakeholder Relationship

• According to the defined marketing strategy, define follow-up frequency with different groups of stakeholders and make follow-up contact accordingly.
• Collect and analyze data using analytical tools.
• Develop i2i marketing materials (write, edit, and post content) and apply the material in channels according to the marketing strategy as necessary.
• Organize research events, campaigns, and other engagement activities.

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

Experience

Minimum

Bachelor’s degree.

Two years of experience in data analytics, program management, or business development-related area.

Demonstrated experience developing high-quality content, both written and multi-media, for a practitioner audience.

Demonstrated experience with advanced computer skills with Microsoft packages, PowerBi, Canva, and coding skills is a plus.

Demonstrated experience with event coordination.

Preferred

Demonstrated willingness to learn and possess a problem-solving attitude.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent analytical, organizational, and administrative skills to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-faceted work environment.

Excellent writing skills illustrated by examples of work.

Excellent verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Proven ability to manage products within established deadlines.

Ability to multi-task while coping with numerous interruptions.

Flexibility to adapt to sudden changes in planning and activities.

Salary and Appointment Information

This is a full-time Visiting Research Specialist position appointed on a twelve-month service basis. This 100% FTE position may become permanent. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is commensurate with experience. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Process

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top of bottom of the posting at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references by 6:00 PM central time on December 19, 2023. Questions can be directed to search chair Kelsie Camling at camling2@illinois.edu . Additional information about the Soybean Innovation Lab can be found at https://www.soybeaninnovationlab.illinois.edu/

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1021839
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu