Research Associate/NSF Rural Confluence Project Manager BF9524

Research Associate/NSF Rural Confluence Project Manager

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a part-time (.75 FTE) Research Associate/Project Manager for the NSF Rural Confluence Project.

Position Descriptions

Research Associate

The overall objective of the Rural Confluence project is to improve infrastructure for use-inspired research on climate change, focused on disproportionately affected rural communities, and to drive discoveries regarding rural climate resilience while broadening STEM participation and expanding social and economic opportunities for rural and underrepresented populations.

The incumbent will assist with development, implementation, and administration of this NSF-funded, multi-institution project and related programs addressing climate change in rural communities in the Mississippi River basin and beyond.

Major responsibilities:

• 50% – Research coordination: Support and monitor the implementation of the research and educational objectives of the Rural Confluence project across participating institutions in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Louisiana; establish and maintain project-related communication and collaboration among project faculty, staff, students, and other project participants; Support and monitor effective and timely use of project funds and resources. Lead budget revision efforts as needed. Provide support and collaboration to the external evaluation team as needed. Organize monthly or other regularly scheduled meetings for project participants and meetings in and with focus communities as needed. Play a lead role in organizing the project team’s annual meetings.
• 25% – External communications: Regularly communicate with the public and stakeholders about project goals, activities, and achievements. Lead project communication and outreach efforts through multiple digital platforms to reach national and international audiences. Identify potential external partners and develop relationships to expand project impacts and collaborations. Create and maintain a high-quality project website. Translate research results and deliver education and outreach materials and programs including factsheets, PowerPoint slide sets, webpages, social media videos, newsletters, and news releases and related materials to support project efforts for non-academic audiences.
• 15% – Reporting: Lead and coordinate project reporting efforts as required by NSF, including financial reports. Work closely with the project’s external evaluator to ensure timely and effective progress assessments and feedback on opportunities for improvement. Establish digital repository and catalog system for long-term storage and sharing of project outputs.
• 10% – Development: Conceive, plan, and complete external funding proposals, to sustain or build on the Rural Confluence project. Aggregate and summarize preliminary project data for such proposals. Write and publish review or synthesis papers on research topics relevant to the project. As needed, facilitate the development of stakeholder groups, project advisory board, or working groups to plan follow-up research, education, or outreach projects.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications: MS in Soil Science, Hydrology, Climatology, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Communications, Agricultural Economics, or a closely related field; two (2) years of related professional experience including project management.

Required skills and certifications: Project management; excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and public speaking; computer; superior organizational skills. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to travel (up to 5 weeks per year) as necessary for project implementation and assessment, participation in relevant meetings, and coordination with stakeholders. Ability to effectively manage research project reporting and finances. Ability to lead project communication and outreach efforts through multiple digital platforms. Ability to communicate complex concepts and analysis to lay audiences holding a range of opinions and beliefs.

Preferred qualifications: Ph.D. in Soil Science, Hydrology, Climatology, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Communications, Agricultural Economics or a closely related field; two or more years relevant professional experience with project management, grant writing, manuscript preparation for publication in peer reviewed journals, and stakeholder coordination.

Preferred skills & certifications: Certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) or other formal project management training; Group facilitation, project evaluation, connections with philanthropic organizations, research translation.

Employment Conditions

This position is an 11-month, non-tenure track, temporary faculty position. Eleven-month appointments run from July 1 – May 31 with June being the off (unpaid) month. This position is renewable for a minimum of 18 months (or longer depending on the length of the grant), contingent upon funding and need.

While the home campus is Stillwater, OK, remote work is possible. A valid driver’s license is required. Both in-state and out-of-state travel will be expected. Travel budget is provided.

About the Department

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences includes a group of faculty, staff, post-docs, and graduate/undergraduate students who are dedicated to the Land Grant mission through research, teaching, and extension. Our faculty pride themselves on collegiality and are focused on ensuring the success of our students, faculty, and stakeholders. More information can be found on our website www.pss.okstate.edu, Twitter: @OSUplantsoilsci or Facebook: @osu.pass.

Application

Applications can be submitted electronically at https://jobs.okstate.edu

To apply, candidates should submit: (a) cover letter; (b) resume/curriculum vitae; (c) names and contact information of three professional references.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Tyson Ochsner, Regents Professor and hiring supervisor ([email protected] or 405.744.3627).

Review of applications will begin 04/01/2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.

• https://agriculture.okstate.edu
• https://agresearch.okstate.edu
• https://extension.okstate.edu
• https://www.okstate.edu
• https://www.visitstillwater.org
• https://www.stillwaterchamber.org