Research Associate and Academic Program Coordinator (West Lafayette, IN, US)

Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Job type: Full-time

Required skills

GIS
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word

About the role

Job Summary

The Research Associate and Academic Program Coordinator will conduct applied research and provide academic program administration in support of forestry and natural resources initiatives. In this role, you will plan research objectives, execute research methods, gather and verify data, conduct stakeholder outreach, create research databases and GIS-based outputs, and support dissemination of findings through reports, presentations, and publications. The research component of the position will focus on two major initiatives: creating a directory of living forest genetic trials across the eastern United States and establishing an online database for synthesizing forest invasive pest survey data in the eastern United States. In addition, you will also provide administrative and programmatic support for a professional master’s program in Digital Ecology and Natural Resources.

What You'll Be Doing:

Collaborating with the Principal Investigator to define research objectives, refine methodology, and update procedures as needed
Developing and distributing email surveys to state and federal agencies, land-grant universities, NRS offices, current and former project managers, and other relevant collaborators
Gathering information on surviving genetic plantings with pedigreed information, including plantings where at least the mother tree or genotype of each tree is known
Update the status of trials listed in the 1981 publication and adding studies established since 1981 to the genetic trial directory
Verifying plantation sites using satellite data and other geospatial resources
Geotagging the presence or absence of plantations and document verification status
Creating a digital linkage among plantings, former and current managers, and the location of related paper files or archival records
Developing a searchable database and GIS map that list documented genetic plantings
Collaborating with the PI to prepare written or oral research communications, including sponsor reports, conference presentations, and publications
Gathering, organizing, and documenting invasive pest occurrence, surveying, reporting, and impacting data
Verifying invasion records using existing databases, published information, agency records, and input from domain experts
Conducting outreach activities with state and federal agencies to support more consistent invasive species reporting
Help streamline data gathering, timely updates, and automated reporting of forest invasive pests and their impacts
Supporting development of an online database that synthesizes invasive pest survey data across the eastern United States
Organizing workshops or stakeholder meetings to connect with agency partners, researchers, and other collaborators
Coordinating administrative planning for the digital data acquisition camp
Supporting coordination of modular online course offerings, including course scheduling, instructor communication, and tracking of course delivery needs
Working with faculty and program leadership to identify appropriate course topics, potential instructors, and opportunities for curriculum development
Assisting with strategic planning for program growth, including identifying new course modules, certificate pathways, continuing education options, and professional training opportunities
Supporting recruitment efforts for the professional master’s program by communicating with prospective students, coordinating information sessions, and supporting outreach to relevant professional audiences to increase program visibility and attract prospective students
Support planning related to the financial model for the program, including instructor funding, course budgeting, revenue models, enrollment targets, and long-term program sustainability
Assisting in evaluating administrative and programmatic options for offering courses to professionals through traditional academic programs, certificate programs, continuing education, or other non-degree pathways

What We're Looking For:

Master degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or other natural resources related fields
Experience in Microsoft Word and Excel
Excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism in dealing with students, faculty, staff, and research cooperators
Good organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail
Capable of taking initiative, assuming responsibility, and handling confidential information with discretion
Ability to work both independently and in a team setting

Nice to Have:

Experience with Access database and GIS

What We'd Like You to Know:

Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary, https://bit.ly/3sHGbls
Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A Background Check is required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
Purdue University is an EO employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

Career Stream

Professional 2

Pay Band S120
Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
Job Code #20003710
Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

*Effective August 1, Purdue implemented a new background screen policy: any internal transfer will receive a new background screen if one has not been run within the last year.

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.

About Purdue University

Public research university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

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