(Hybrid) Temporary Part-Time Research Associate - School of Agriculture and Food Systems

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design; School of Agriculture and Food Systems are currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Temporary Research Associate. The Research Associate will serve as the primary implementation lead for an early-stage, integrated research and Extension project focused on validating and refining the Agricultural Practice Process Model (AgPPM) with embedded Willing-Ready-Able (WRA) readiness diagnostics. The position emphasizes applied research, participatory tool development, and field-based validation with small-scale and FSMA-exempt agricultural producers in West Virginia.

The Research Associate will work closely with faculty, Extension agents, state agency partners, and community organizations to develop practitioner-ready diagnostic tools and generate a preliminary dataset to support competitive external funding proposals. This is a term position aligned with a defined six-month project period

What You'll Do

• Lead day-to-day execution of the AgPPM + WRA validation project, serving as the primary point of coordination across faculty, Extension, and external partners.
• Integrate WRA readiness indicators into the early diagnostic stages of AgPPM, including development of benchmarks, scoring logic, and decision rules.
• Design, draft, and refine practitioner-ready tools, including readiness diagnostic checklists, assessment scripts, and workflow maps for Extension use.
• Coordinate and facilitate participatory refinement sessions with agricultural producers, county-based Extension agents, and state and nonprofit partners.
• Conduct field testing of diagnostic tools in community-based and on-farm settings, working alongside Extension agents and partner organizations.
• Manage data collection activities, including qualitative feedback, readiness classifications, and inter-rater reliability measures.
• Perform preliminary quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess tool usability, consistency, and feasibility.
• Prepare documentation and summary materials suitable for inclusion in external funding proposals (e.g., USDA-NIFA, Northeast SARE, NSF).

• Contribute to written project reports and dissemination materials as needed.

  Length of Assignment: 5 Months

  Work Hours: 6 Hours per week

• PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Food Science, Public Health, Extension Education, Agricultural Education, or a closely related field by the start date.
• A minimum of three (3) year of experience involving:
  • Demonstrated experience with applied research or Extension-based projects involving agricultural producers or food systems.
  • Experience with mixed-methods research, including qualitative data collection and basic quantitative analysis.
  • Prior work in food safety, workforce development, behavioral readiness, or practice adoption is strongly preferred.
  • Experience coordinating multi-partner or multi-agency projects is desirable.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
  

• Valid driver's license required.
• Travel required, including in-state travel to farms, Extension offices, and agricultural meetings; overnight travel may be necessary.
• Physical demands: Ability to travel to on-farm and community-based locations, stand or walk for extended periods during field activities, and carry light materials (e.g., field packets, printed tools).
  

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.