Research Field Operations Lead

Job Purpose

KAUST Core Labs is seeking a highly motivated specialist to lead operations in its Agricultural Research Field Site, which includes research plots, a greenhouse and a shade house. The staff will play a key role in providing technical and operational expertise, and support to the research community in a highly collaborative and multi-cultural environment.

The successful candidate will lead the team on all operational aspects of the Agricultural Research Field Site. This includes, but is not limited to: managing space requests from users; ensuring that the facilities remain safe, clean, and operational; providing guidance to users regarding the best environmental climate settings and agronomic practices for their plants.

The Core Labs is service and support oriented. Therefore, good communication skills and approachability are key attributes. The candidate must be able to effectively understand and translate research needs into purposeful science-based operational plans that will maximize results.

Major Accountabilities

• Manage all agricultural research field site operations
• Manage and monitor the team’ performance, and provide mentorship and coaching as required
• Support Core Labs and KAUST outreach activities through demonstration sites;
• Ensure the research field enables the implementation of effective research and plant management methodologies.
• Maintain knowledge of new innovations by leading agricultural research universities worldwide;
• Articulate the impact of proposed operational changes to the research field to faculty;
• Develop training modules on instrument use and operation to maximize results.
• Perform other applicable tasks and duties assigned within the realm of the employee’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of his/her position.

Person Requirements

Competencies

• Able to understand and translate researcher needs into purposeful plans;
• Proven experience and capability of leading, empowering, and developing high performing staff, with preference for candidates who have worked in international and multicultural environments;
• Capable of challenging, persuading, and influencing others for positive outcomes;
• Excellent communication skills and maturity to interact well with all levels of stakeholders;
• Willing to develop and maintain cross-functional relationships;
• Deep understanding of health and safety regulations in research environments;
• Strong problem solving and technical troubleshooting skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• Masters Degree in agricultural science or engineering, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, or a related field; PhD preferred.
• 5 years of demonstrated, relevant experience;
• Experience leading a team
• Knowledge of technologies and equipment supporting research within the field of study.