Principal Research Specialist

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks a Principal Research Specialist to conduct advanced field research in soil fertility and nutrient management. You will design and implement experiments, manage data workflows, mentor students, and contribute to publications and outreach within a diverse research portfolio.

You will lead field operations, supervise undergraduate staff and graduate students, ensure safety compliance, and collaborate with growers, extension personnel, and project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Crop Sciences, Agronomy, Soil Science, or related field; minimum 2 years of field research or crop production.
• Experience with experimental design and data collection.
• Experience with data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of agronomic datasets.
• Strong knowledge of crop production and soil fertility concepts; proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, and data management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of field experiments.
• Implement treatment applications, sampling protocols, and data collection plans.
• Coordinate seasonal field operations and manage trial logistics.
• Perform data entry, quality control, statistical analysis, and interpretation.
• Prepare figures, tables, and summaries for manuscripts and reports.
• Maintain metadata and data management systems.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Field research methods knowledge

Supervision/Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Crop Sciences / Agronomy / Soil Science

Tools

Statistical software

GIS

Precision agriculture tools

Job description

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story.

The Department of Crop Sciences within the College of Consumer, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences offers world-class laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities as well as state-of-the-art teaching facilities. The University of Illinois also offers outstanding facilities in computing, data science, and genomic analysis as well as many other areas of potential support.

The Crop Sciences Department seeks candidates for a Principal Research Specialist position.

The successful candidate will join the Illinois Soil Fertility Laboratory, led by Dr. John Jones. The Illinois Soil Fertility Laboratory research and outreach focus on fertilizer and soil management, soil and plant analysis, and precision agriculture technologies. The team is comprised of faculty, graduate students, visiting scholars, and agronomist/farmer cooperators.

Crop Sciences has a legacy of providing effective and efficient client services while creating robust opportunities for promotional growth and development. The successful candidate would participate in a comprehensive onboarding strategy led by professionals in the Crop Sciences Department.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST

POSITION SUMMARY

Conduct advanced field research in soil fertility and nutrient management. Play a central role in designing and implementing experiments, managing data workflows, mentoring students, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and outreach activities. This position is integral to maintaining continuity, rigor, and impact across a wide research portfolio.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research & Experimental Design

• Lead design and execution of field experiments.
• Implement treatment applications, sampling protocols, and data collection plans.
• Coordinate seasonal field operations and manage trial logistics.

Data Management & Analysis

• Perform data entry, quality control, statistical analysis, and interpretation.
• Prepare figures, tables, and summaries for manuscripts and reports.
• Maintain metadata and data management systems consistent with best practices.

Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain inventories, equipment, and compliance records.
• Ensure adherence to safety, pesticide-use, and institutional policies.
• Train and supervise undergraduate employees, graduate students, and technicians.
• Provide instruction on research methods, safety, and field protocols.

Outreach & Collaboration

• Interact with growers, industry partners, extension personnel, and collaborators.
• Assist with field days, presentations, and professional meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in Crop Sciences, Agronomy, Soil Science, or related field. Minimum of two (2) years of experience with field research or commercial crop production.
• Experience with experimental design and data collection.
• Experience with data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of agronomic datasets.
• Strong knowledge of crop production and soil fertility foundational concepts and applications. Proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, and data management tools.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Crop Sciences, Agronomy, Soil Science, or related field.
• Experience supervising or mentoring personnel.
• Experience with statistical software, GIS, or precision agriculture tools.
• Prior involvement in manuscript preparation or grant-supported research.
• Experience handling and applying anhydrous ammonia, and willingness to complete Anhydrous Ammonia Safety training.
• F amiliarity with GIS, precision agriculture technologies, and statistical software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of agronomic field research methods and soil fertility principles.
• Ability to coordinate and execute field and laboratory research activities.
• Ability to supervise and mentor students and research personnel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team-based research environments.
• Knowledge and ability to maintain field research infrastructure.
• Commitment to workplace safety, research integrity, and compliance with institutional policies.

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month basis. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range for this position $65,000 - $80,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

PROPOSED STARTING DATE

The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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, 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

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