Research Specialist Sr.

Job Description

The position provides technical support to the Plant Pathology program at the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), located on the Delmarva peninsula in Painter, Virginia. This is an off-campus position. The position will be primarily field based (establishment and maintenance of field trials, application of pesticides, collection of data and plant samples from field plots and grower fields) with a focus on vegetable (potatoes, green beans, sweet corn, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes and watermelon) and row (corn, soybean, and small grains) crops. There will also be lab (preparation of inoculum for field trials and isolation of pathogens from the field samples), office (preparation of field trial reports, organization and maintenance of inventory, budget and compliance records), and supervision (oversee part-time employees, assist on graduate student projects) responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a plant science related field (Agricultural Sciences, Crop and Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science) or a combination of education and extensive experience in a related field. Knowledge of production agriculture and farm practices including the planting, maintenance, and harvest of field and/or vegetable crops and the utilization of farm equipment. Detail oriented and self-motivated to implement experimental layout and collect data. Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive etc.). Ability to train and manage hourly employees and student labor. The successful candidate must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Virginia Driver’s license and a Virginia commercial pesticide applicator license within three months of start date. May carry and use a firearm as part of daily responsibilities for animal control.

Preferred Qualifications

MS degree in a plant science related field. Basic laboratory skills. Experience in plant pathology or microbiology. Experience with basic statistical design and analysis.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$55,000 - $65,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

April 20, 2026

Additional Information

 

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

 

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a schoo