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GRAD-AID for Ag Project Coordinator

Job Description

Posting Number

PG193833EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

GRAD-AID for Ag Project Coordinator

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commenurate with Experience ($55,000 - $65,000)

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday - 8am-5pm

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

Plant & Microbial Biology

About the Department

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology supports teaching, research, and extension programs in fundamental plant biology and microbiology, including basic and applied research, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and outreach to state and national clientele.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.

Essential Job Duties

Graduate Training in Translational Convergent Research – Harnessing AI and Data Science for Sustainable Agriculture (GRAD-AID for Ag) is an National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT). The primary function of the GRAD-AID for Ag is to provide interdisciplinary graduate training that bridges plant science and data science. The program seeks to accelerate the development of sustainable agricultural solutions that address global challenges in food production, climate resilience, and resource management. Through partnerships with institutions such as Fayetteville State University (FSU) and key industry stakeholders, the initiative aims to create a skilled, diverse workforce capable of bridging knowledge gaps and applying data-driven plant research to real-world agricultural conditions.

The Project Coordinator will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations and development of the GRAD-AID for Ag Program.
This position will be broken down primarily in the following areas:
  • Program Management & Coordination (30%)
  • Student Recruitment & Support (30%)
  • Collaboration & Outreach (30%)
  • Reporting & Evaluation (10%)

Program Management & Coordination:
  • Organize scholarly events, workshops, and training sessions for students and faculty involved in the program.
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of the student capstone course, where interdisciplinary teams work on real-world projects with industry experts, growers, and academic partners for practical application and feedback.
  • Manage program logistics, including faculty and trainee travel, shared research facilities, equipment procurement, and computer systems.
  • Oversee the development and maintenance of web-based communication systems to facilitate collaboration between NCSU, FSU, and external partners.
  • Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of the GRAD-AID for Ag program website, ensuring it serves as a dynamic platform for communication, resource sharing, and updates on program activities, student achievements, and events.
  • Facilitate research administration, including the management of project budgets and compliance with funding agency requirements to ensure successful program implementation and sustainability.

Student Recruitment & Support:
  • Lead internal and external recruitment efforts, including that of students from Fayetteville State University and other nearby Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
  • Develop and implement student support systems, including internships, research experiences, and mentorship programs.
  • Assemble trainee dossiers, track student progress, and collect assessment data to evaluate program impact.

Collaboration & Outreach:
  • Collaborate with departments across NCSU, including Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB), Entomology and Plant Pathology (DEPP), Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, Crop and Soil Science (CSS), Horticultural Science (HS), Forestry (FOR), Computer Science (CS), and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).
  • Foster partnerships with external organizations, industry stakeholders, and growers to enhance internship opportunities, research collaborations, and student placement.
  • Participate in state and national conferences to promote the GRAD-AID for Ag initiative and share best practices for interdisciplinary education in AI and agriculture.
  • Regular travel between FSU, NCSU, and other partnering (listed above).

Reporting & Evaluation:
  • Work closely with the project’s external evaluator to collect data and assess student needs, making program adjustments as necessary.
  • Assist with grant reporting, including preparing publications and presenting results at conferences.

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • B.S./B.A. degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience.
  • Experience in program development, particularly in higher education or STEM fields.

Other Required Qualifications

  • Strong organizational, communication (written and oral), and project management skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, industry partners, and community organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with any area of science, agriculture, data science, or related fields is preferred.
  • Experience in or willingness to learn website design and maintenance, with the ability to create and manage web-based platforms for communication, resource dissemination, and program updates.
  • Understanding of university operations, student support systems, and higher education administration is preferred.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

  • Valid Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s License within the first 60 days of hire. A valid Driver’s License must be maintained throughout employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Job Open Date

12/04/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Number

00111189

Position Type

EHRA Non-Faculty

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.00

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

110801 - Plant & Microbial Biology

AA/EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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