Research & Extension Specialist I
Posting Number: SP004815P
Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department: WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)
Location: Boise, Off Campus Location – WRDC
Posting Context Statement:
The individual in this position will be responsible for developing a well-recognized Extension and research program that focuses on relevant rural development issues in the Western United States.
Position Overview:
Serves as an independent researcher, extension staff, or collaborator on a multi-scholar Research and Extension initiative. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator. This role combines Research with Extension activities to ensure scientific knowledge is translated into practical applications that benefit communities.
Duties may include:
- Perform complex scientific analyses and translate findings into actionable recommendations for Extension programs
- Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis or community feedback
- Direct the development of research and Extension recommendations to address specific project or stakeholder needs
- Perform peer review of scientific and Extension projects, studies or applications and provide actionable recommendations
- Prepare peer-reviewed publications, Extension bulletins or presentations for audiences
- Resolve complex project-specific technical, regulatory or programmatic issues related to research and Extension work
- Establish work priorities and performance standards, hire and train staff and evaluate staff performance
- May manage technical aspects of projects, including scope of work, budgeting, scheduling, reporting, implementing field projects, and approving scientific and Extension documents
- Participate in the development of grant proposals as a named project contributor
- Engage with stakeholders to ensure research findings are effectively integrated into Extension programming and services
Required Experience:
- Three years of research experience related to the domain of this position
Required Education:
- Doctoral Degree in applied economics, rural sociology or related discipline; a Master’s Degree plus an additional two years of research experience (for a total of five years) may be substituted for a Doctoral Degree
Required Other:
- Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles
- Must be able to:
- Occasionally travel for job related duties
- Work nonstandard hours including occasional evenings and weekends
Additional Preferred:
- Record of writing proposals and acquiring externally funded grants
- Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on extramurally funded research
- Record of two or more lead-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with experimental design, complex data analysis and Extension program development or delivery
- Demonstrated record of research achievement
- Demonstrated record of Extension achievement
- Experience, training, or demonstrated knowledge of US and Western rural development issues
- Ability to work in collaborative partnerships with disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with constituents, client groups and the general public
- Demonstrating ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team
- Specialization or emphasis on rural development, labor, entrepreneurship, economic geography or closely related area
- Demonstrated excellence in written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
- None
Degree Requirement:
Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Category: Exempt
Pay Range: $81,432.00 or higher depending on education and experience.
Type of Appointment: _of_Appointment
FTE: 1.0
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy: Uncertain
Posting Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by April 22, 2025, will receive first consideration.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, you will need to provide a research statement, extension statement, and 1 journal article (uploaded as one PDF file to Statement of Research document field), unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 3 references within the application. To improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Paul Lewin at plewin@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.
Applicant Resources: https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement: Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.