Study Director & Lead Weed Scientist

Study Director & Lead Weed Scientist

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

In addition to your application please submit a cover letter, CV, and the contact information for at least three professional references

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194969EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Study Director & Lead Weed Scientist
Anticipated Hiring Range	$90,000 -$95,000
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	IR-4 Project
About the Department	The IR-4 Project is a nationally and internationally recognized Federal-State partnership that facilitates the registration of safe and effective chemical, biological, and other pest management technologies for specialty crop producers. Specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, spices, ornamentals, and nursery crops—represent high-value sectors of U.S. agriculture but often lack sufficient market incentives for private industry to independently pursue registrations for these crops. As the nation’s primary program supporting pest management solutions for specialty crops, IR-4 plays a critical role in ensuring growers have access to the tools needed to produce safe, abundant, and economically viable crops. Without IR-4, many specialty crop growers would have limited access to crop protection products, resulting in reduced productivity, increased pest losses, and fewer management options. IR-4 operates through a nationwide network consisting of four regional programs, multiple USDA and university partners, more than 20 public research farms, and analytical laboratories located throughout the United States. The program coordinates research conducted by approximately 125 scientists and technical specialists across the country. IR-4 Project Headquarters is part of North Carolina State University and located in Centennial Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina, within the Venture IV Building. Headquarters provides national leadership, scientific oversight, regulatory strategy, data management, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliance for the program’s research portfolio and regulatory submissions.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The Study Director & Lead Weed Scientist position will be an integral part of the IR-4 Biology and Registrations teams. This position reports directly to the IR-4 Associate Director for Regulatory Sciences and National Laboratory Director. Duties include, but are not limited to: Study Director – Protocol Development and Study Coordination 30% Provide technical direction for IR-4 residue studies conducted by cooperating scientists across North America in compliance with U.S. EPA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations (40 CFR Part 160). Develop approximately 5 national residue study protocols annually in collaboration with registrant companies, study scientists, and IR-4 biologists. Ensure protocols are scientifically sound, operationally feasible, and completed in advance of study initiation timelines. Direct and manage approximately 30 concurrent IR-4 residue studies across multiple locations and phases (field and laboratory). Monitor study progress, including applications, sampling, shipment, analysis, and reporting. Review and approve protocol deviations and ensure timely resolution of study issues. Maintain communication with cooperators, laboratories, and QA personnel to ensure studies are conducted in accordance with protocols and GLP requirements. Review study reports and data for completeness, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance, including application parameters, sampling procedures, storage conditions, and analytical results. Ensure all Quality Assurance findings are addressed and documented appropriately. Study Director – Data Package Development 20% Prepare approximately 3 regulatory data packages annually in accordance with U.S. EPA (OPPTS) and/or international (e.g., FAO/JMPR) guidelines. Develop clear, complete, and submission-ready reports for review by QA, IR-4 management, industry partners, and regulatory agencies. Identify and resolve data gaps through coordination with research collaborators and laboratories. Apply extrapolation, crop grouping, and other strategies to maximize the utility of generated data. Collaborate with other Study Directors on data interpretation and report preparation. Weed Science Leadership and Request for Assistance Management 20% Review and provide technical evaluation of all new IR-4 Requests for Assistance (PCRs) involving herbicides and plant growth regulators (PGRs) within the Food Program and, as needed, the Environmental Horticulture Program. Determine whether proposed uses are supported by existing federal and/or state registrations. When uses are not registered, assess data requirements based on product chemistry, use pattern, target weeds, crop sensitivity, and available data. Communicate with registrant companies to convey IR-4 assessments, determine interest in registration, and recommend next steps. Review and respond to company feedback as appropriate. Contribute to and lead discussions with industry partners regarding weed management technologies at IR-4 meetings. Identify potential research opportunities and maintain engagement with the IR-4 research network to encourage submission of new requests. Support priority-setting activities, including development of project lists, participation in regional calls, and facilitation of discussions at priority-setting workshops. Assist stakeholders with Priority Upgrade Proposals and Regional Upgrades and participate in selection processes. Provide technical recommendations to stakeholders based on current knowledge. Maintain current and accurate information in IR-4 databases related to herbicides and PGRs and assist with project closure following regulatory approvals. Maintain a working knowledge of weed science crop protection products, and modes of action and where there are gaps. Represent IR-4 at scientific and stakeholder meetings (e.g., Weed Science Society of America) and participate in relevant committees, as appropriate. Contribute to internal training, education, and knowledge-sharing activities within IR-4. Serve as a technical resource to stakeholders on weed management technologies and issues. Contribute to outreach and educational activities related to weed science and regulatory processes. Product performance research 20% Collaborate with IR-4’s national and weed science network to obtain information relevant to protocol development and study design. Develop and review efficacy and crop safety research protocols involving herbicides and PGRs. Provide technical guidance to cooperators conducting research and respond to protocol-related inquiries. Evaluate research results for protocol compliance and scientific quality. Prepare and distribute summary reports of research findings to stakeholders, including industry partners. Conduct site visits, as needed, to assess field trial performance and support research quality. Order test substance from suppliers and ensure collaborators receive samples. Collaborate with Study Directors to develop directions for use for GLP residue studies involving herbicides and PGRs. Provide subject-matter expertise during study conduct, including addressing issues related to product performance, crop injury, and crop biology. Other responsibilities as assigned 10% Participate in IR-4, grower, and professional meetings; contribute to presentations and committees as appropriate. Travel is an expectation of this position (6-10 times per year). Assist other Study Directors and the Senior Study Directors in completion of projects. Maintain effective working relationships across IR-4 Headquarters and the broader research network. Provide general support for IR-4 Headquarters operations and research programs. This position is based on-site at IR-4 Project Headquarters in the Venture IV Building on NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC. Regular in-person attendance is required. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required during travel status or to meet project deadlines.
Other Responsibilities	Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Master of Science degree, with at least 8 years of full time experience in both field and greenhouse with weed science, or Ph.D. with at least 3 years of full time professional work experience in applied research in weed science.
Other Required Qualifications	Ability to maintain attention to details, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must be comfortable to lead work groups and perform job functions closely with others. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills. Flexible and willing to perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications	Master of Science or PhD degree in horticultural or agricultural sciences with weed management experience in horticulture crops. Working knowledge of herbicides and plant growth regulators used in specialty crop production, the plant protection sciences (Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science), horticulture, or related area, and at least 3 (PhD) or 8 (M.S.) years of experience in applied pest management research/regulatory sciences and managing product efficacy studies with herbicides/PGRs.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Valid NC driver’s license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	10/15/2026
Anticipated Close Date	10/29/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.
Special Instructions to Applicants	In addition to your application please submit a cover letter, CV, and the contact information for at least three professional references

Position Details

Position Number	00106111
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
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	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Department ID	110313 - IR-4 Project
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or [email protected]. 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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you learn of this opportunity?
   • NCSU Website
   • NCSU Executive Search Services
   • Monster.com
   • CareerBuilder.com
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • Other Online Job Board
   • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
   • Job / Career Fair
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • HERC
   • Professional Journal
   • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
   • Professional Organization
   • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
   • NCSU Employee Referral
   • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
   • Other
2. If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Do you have, or will you have by date of hire, a Master of Science degree, with at least 8 years of full-time experience in both field and greenhouse with weed science, or Ph.D. with at least 3 years of full-time professional work experience in applied research in weed science?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Do you have a valid NC Driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of your start date?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you have, or will you have by date of hire, a PhD in Weed Science or another one of the pest management areas (Entomology, Plant Pathology), horticulture, agronomy, chemistry or related area with at least 5 years of direct experience in applied weed science/pest management research or regulatory sciences, or a Masters of Science degree in areas stated above with at least 10 years of direct experience in applied weed science/pest management research or regulatory sciences?
   • Yes
   • No

Application Materials Required

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Contact Information for References
3. Resume/CV

Optional Documents