Research Specialist

Usmd; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 83,271 - 99,925; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland College Park seeks a Research Specialist to manage federal capacity and competitive MAES grants, ensuring compliance and timely reporting. This role liaises with MAES, faculty, USDA–NIFA, and campus administrative units to support grant lifecycle activities.

Responsibilities include capacity grant management, NIFA reporting, intramural grant administration, multistate coordination, faculty support, and organizing research meetings, workshops, and reporting efforts to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Three years of related experience requested.
• Experience with grant administration preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills essential.
• Proven organizational and time management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Administer, report, and coordinate federal capacity and competitive MAES grants.
• Serve as liaison between MAES, faculty, USDA–NIFA, and campus units.
• Lead capacity grant management, NIFA reporting, and intramural grants.
• Coordinate multistate research and organize meetings/workshops/reporting.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Self-sufficiency

Verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

## Research SpecialistApplylocations: University of Maryland College Parktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 30+ Days Agojob requisition id: JR103870# **Job Description Summary**The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland College Park was first established in 1888 and currently it fosters research at all levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem) related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability. Researchers within the six academic departments in AGNR and many in other Colleges, such as the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS), use both campus-based research laboratories and four Research and Education Centers composed of 8 Facilities located across different land resource and physiographic regions of Maryland to conduct state-of-the-art research related to a wide array of topics including plant and animal genomics, infectious diseases, animal health, vaccine development, plant and animal physiology, basic biology, human health and nutrition, food safety, animal nutrition, environmental and ecosystem health, agricultural resources management and economics, water quality, soil and watershed sciences, bio-energy, horticulture and landscape design, and interface between Agro-ecosystem and aquatic environment. The Research Specialist reports to the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). This position is responsible for the comprehensive administration, reporting, and coordination of federal capacity and competitive research grants for the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). The role serves as the primary liaison between MAES, faculty, USDA–NIFA, and campus administrative units, ensuring compliance with federal requirements while supporting faculty throughout the full grant lifecycle. Responsibilities include capacity grant management, NIFA reporting, intramural grant administration, multistate research coordination, faculty support, and organization of research-related meetings, workshops, and reporting activities. Preferred Qualifications: M.S. from an accredited college or university. Prior experience working with USDA Prior experience with research administration in higher education Prior experience planning and managing meetings and events Ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders Physical Demands: Work is performed in a normal office environment, which includes operating standard office equipment (e.g., computer, keyboard, printer, telephone, etc.) for lengthy periods of time. This position frequently presents information through oral and written communication. Minimal travel to assist with, attend, or manage meetings off-campus.# **Minimum Qualifications****Minimum Qualifications:**Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.Experience: Three (3) years of experience in related field.Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.Required Skills and Qualifications:* Proven organizational skills, including time management* Project management experience* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills* Self-sufficiency and the ability to work with minimal supervision* Strong verbal and written communication skills* Attention to detail# **Additional Job Details****Additional Information:** UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.**Required Application Materials:** Resume, Cover Letter, List of 3 Professional References**Best Consideration Date:** May 1, 2026**Posting Close Date:** N/A**Open Until Filled:** Yes# **Job Risks**Not Applicable to This Position# **Financial Disclosure Required**NoFor more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.# **Department**AGNR-AES-Agriculture Experiment Station# **Worker Sub-Type**Staff Regular# **Salary Range**$83,271 - $99,925# **Benefits Summary**For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.# **Background Checks**Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.# # **Employment Eligibility**The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.# **EEO Statement**The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.