Research Project Manager and Analyst

The Ohio State University seeks a full-time research project manager and analyst to implement and manage a research and engagement project designed to enable farmer participation in emerging national carbon markets through innovative and integrated research that supports improved federal, state, and local policy design. The position is based at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

The position is with a recently funded USDA Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) grant awarded to Ohio State in partnership with Central State University, Colorado State University, University of Minnesota, Purdue University, and Virgina Tech University. The overall project seeks to develop an integrated policy and decision support system that quantifies economic and environmental outcomes of Climate Smart Agricultural Practice (CSAP) adoption in Midwestern Corn Belt (MWCB) states. The project requires strong coordination to encourage collaborative team science among diverse disciplines including soil science, ecology, hydrology, economics and decision sciences, and computer science. A cohesive educational team consisting of stakeholders and technical experts will co-produce novel approaches that translate model outcomes and other findings to audiences ranging from farmers to policymakers. At the end, landowners in the region will be equipped to evaluate the benefits and costs of new carbon contracting options.

The Project Manager will provide logistical support to the Project Director (Brent Sohngen) to design and implement this multifaceted project. They will be responsible for:

• Organizing and facilitating annual all-hands, project work group, stakeholder advisory group, and policy advisory group team meetings.
• Coordinating grant reporting.
• Tracking spending/assisting with budget management.
• Coordinating multi-institution transdisciplinary graduate student cohort meetings.
• Assisting with the under-represented minority undergraduate STEM research experience program.
• Coordinating management of data.
• Assisting with project communication.
• Participating in leadership team meetings.

The ideal candidate will have experience with large complex research project management, familiarity with agriculture and environmental issues, and comfort and experience engaging with diverse academics and stakeholders. We anticipate the incumbent in the position will allocate their time approximately 50% to organizing and facilitating team activities across the institutions; 30% to coordination of reporting and budget management; and 20% to communications and emerging duties.

The project is directed by Brent Sohngen, an environmental and natural resource economist in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at the Ohio State University. The office will be located in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Education/Experience:

Required:

• 2 years' experience in management of large, complex, multi-unit research and/or extension programs
• Experience with fiscal management and tracking systems
• Experience with grant administration
• Experience in working with and managing relationships with stakeholder advisory boards
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Excellent computer (MS Office suite) and database management skills
• Self-directed, can work alone or in team environment
• Bachelor's Degree

Desired:

• Masters or PhD degree in relevant agricultural, environmental, or social science

Application Procedure:

To submit an application – please provide a cover letter explaining relevant background, experience and qualifications, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and names/contact information for three references. Initial screening of applications will occur on 12/30/2024.

Be sure to reference position Research Project Manager and Analyst in any correspondence.

Questions should be directed to:

Brent Sohngen

Email: Sohngen.1@osu.edu

Phone: 614-688-4640

This job profile is a Research Administration Management Analyst 2 (S2 level) position on the career roadmap.

The salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.