Scientific Program Associate

Foundation for Food & Agriculture; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture in Washington, DC, is seeking a Scientific Program Associate to support innovative research initiatives. The role involves coordinating proposal reviews, organizing meetings, and conducting background research.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in agriculture, and possess strong communication and project management skills. The position offers opportunities for remote work and supports a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a focus on agriculture preferred.
• Minimum one year of relevant professional experience.
• Strong analytical, writing, and fact-checking skills.

Responsibilities

• Support timely review of proposals submitted to FFAR.
• Organize and coordinate meeting logistics.
• Conduct background research for grant proposals.
• Assist with the grant-making process.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and writing skills

Strong systems skills including Microsoft Office

Time and project management skills

Ability to synthesize large amounts of information

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor of Science degree; agriculture-related major preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Smartsheets

Job description

Location: Washington, DC, Remote work available

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a non-profit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund audacious research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. The Foundation pioneers scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical research gaps. Ultimately, FFAR’s partnership and results benefit farmers, consumers and the environment.

Job Description

FFAR has six Challenge Areas, which coupled with our strategic initiatives, form our strategic research framework:

• Health Agriculture Nexus
• Soil Health
• Advanced Animal Systems
• Sustainable Water Management
• Next Generation Crops

This science administration position requires a desire to learn more about innovative food and agriculture research, excellent interpersonal and writing skills, a high level of organization and focus and an ability to work under tight deadlines.

The scientific program associate reports directly to the Sustainable Water Management and Next Generation Crops scientific program directors, and works closely with colleagues in communications, grants, development, legislative affairs and other areas.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the timely review of proposals submitted to FFAR by requesting and coordinating expert reviewers and review panels.
• Organize and coordinate meeting and event logistics and attend events as needed.
• Organize Advisory Council meetings and draft minutes.
• Conduct background research, including data analysis, literature reviews and media scanning.
• Correspond with other organizations and associations to support research programs.
• Prepare summary briefs on emerging or important research developments.
• Assist with stakeholder communications.
• Support outreach strategies by preparing materials for the FFAR website, newsletters and publications.
• Developing and/or maintaining project management tools.
• Assist with the grant-making process.

Qualifications

• Ability to write clearly and cogently for internal audiences, policy makers, the media and the public.
• Ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue, as well as to identify, understand and synthesize different perspectives.
• Experience working with academics, nonprofits and other entities that conduct research—helping to ensure the results are rigorous and communication is clear, timely and persuasive.
• Ability to work professionally and collegially within a creative, fast-paced culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork.
• Demonstrated time and project-management skills, including the ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Ability to set priorities and identify resources.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision. Flexible and able to routinely juggle multiple competing priorities and work in teams of both support and senior staff to meet project goals.
• Strong systems skills including Microsoft office products required; database and online research applications preferred.
• The ability to create and use spreadsheets to track project deliverables.
• Experience with project management platforms, such as Smartsheets.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree; an agriculture-related major is preferred.
• A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated analytical, writing and fact-checking skills.

Additional Information

This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. There may be potential for travel when it is safe to do so, but travel would be limited. Must have the ability to lift to 20 lbs.

EEO Statement

FFAR is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applications are encouraged from individuals who may fall into any such groups, as well as from veterans and uniformed service members.