The Danforth Plant Science Center Field Research Site was recently established in St. Charles, Missouri approximately 19 miles northwest of the Danforth Center. This 140 acre historic farm is used as a space for scientists to employ field-based experiments to understand how crops interact with their environment, including over 30 species of plants and both conventional and conservation management practices.

We seek a Director of the Field Research Site that will lead the development of a world-class scientifically and technologically advanced facility supporting field research activities of Danforth Center scientists, their collaborators, and the St. Louis ag-biotech research community.  The Director will be eligible to serve as Principal/Co-Principal Investigator on sponsored projects.  Initial application review will begin February 3^rd and continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:

• The Director will develop a long-term vision and strategic plan for the site that delivers on the mission of the Danforth Center.
• The Director will lead a culture and facility where Danforth Center research teams can grow into productive field research groups, and where scientists with deep biological knowledge and scientific expertise can help drive advancements in the field.
• The Director will be responsible for financial planning and management of the site, management of personnel, equipment, and infrastructure, and will actively participate in fundraising, including working with DDPSC Development and applying for external grants to advance the vision and strategic plan.
• The Director will develop and manage a fee structure and balance site usage for both DDPSC researchers and for outside entities. 
• The Director will work closely with the VP of Facilities to produce a masterplan for the site that meets the current and future needs of the research community.
• The Director will collaborate with the Director of Phenotyping to identify and seek funding for infrastructure related to field-based phenotyping
• The Director will work closely with the Director of Education to develop educational programming and seek funding for field-based educational activities.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in agricultural field research
• Strong sense of community and collaborative approach to science
• Leadership skills to manage team members
• Exceptional sense of customer service, flexibility, hands-on problem solving ability, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to balance scientific and technical responsibilities with strategic management of a core facility
• Demonstrates an innovation mindset regarding the future of plant science and agricultural research
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship.

Submission Materials:

• Current curriculum vitae
• 2-3 page cover letter addressing qualifications and approach to developing a plan to grow the Field Research Site into a world-class scientifically and technologically advanced field-research facility

Qualifications:

• PhD in a field related to the Danforth Center mission
• Additional significant research experience

About Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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