Job Opening: Director of Research
The Savanna Institute invites applications for a Director of Research to lead current and future research work at the Savanna Institute.
&nbsp;
We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, we are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
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Who We Are
The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, we work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.savannainstitute.org">savannainstitute.org</a>.
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Job Description 
Hours: Full-time
Location: Midwest (IL, WI, MN, IA, MO, IN, or MI)
Start Date: Fall 2024
Salary: $90,000-$110,000 
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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">This position is eligible for the Institute&rsquo;s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 30 days paid time off per year, 3 weeks of paid family leave, a health reimbursement arrangement that can be applied to insurance premiums and approved healthcare costs, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and a monthly home office stipend</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">This position reports to the Director of Agroforestry Innovation</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Duties/Responsibilities
Agroforestry is poised for a potential major expansion in the coming years and decades, and our research team is working to prepare the improved tree crop varieties and refined systems and practices knowledge base needed to support this scale-up. The Director of Research will lead the Savanna Institute&rsquo;s agroforestry research efforts (80% time) and have the opportunity to carry out relevant research or scholarship in their field (20%).&nbsp;
More specifically, they will:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lead current and future research work at the Savanna Institute:</li>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">A tree crop cultivar development program with a staff of six plant breeders and other research professionals, applying methods like genomic selection and digital imagery-based phenotyping to six key tree crop species</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Programs in the landscape ecology, ecosystem science, and agronomic / horticultural management dimensions of agroforestry, with a staff of four (soon to be five) plant and soil scientists and other research professionals</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Potential future research areas, such as ag engineering or social sciences</li>
</ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Act as the direct supervisor to most research staff&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ensure strategy &amp; mission alignment and operational excellence in the department</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Coordinate department staff in setting and implementing a grant writing strategy and personally participate in grant writing, developing sponsored research partnerships, or securing other funds to help fund research programs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cultivate external research partnerships, and coordinate with internal and external agroforestry outreach and education professionals to help inform research goals with on-the-ground farmer and other stakeholder needs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If desired, carry out individual research or scholarship at the intersection of the Director of Research&rsquo;s individual expertise and Savanna Institute&rsquo;s research scope (Estimated time available: 20%)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Required Qualifications
We&rsquo;re looking for someone who is passionate about the future of agroforestry, and has:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A core commitment to using rigorous science as a tool to generate real results for people and planet</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A PhD in the agricultural or biological sciences, or a PhD in any discipline plus substantial demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with agricultural or biological science researchers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Direct work experience as a researcher or scholar, accompanied by a meaningful peer-reviewed publication record</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Demonstrated success in soliciting and stewarding external funding from grantmaking agencies, foundations, or donors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prior experience managing a team of researchers, or a brief description of what makes you ready for your first people management job</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Interest and ability in being an effective external collaborator and communicator, and as a leader and participant in external research partnerships</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Candidates are required to locate in the Savanna Institute&rsquo;s Midwest US service area of IL, WI, MN, IA, MO, IN, or MI. Preference may be given to candidates willing to locate within convenient driving distance of our primary field sites in southwestern WI and central IL</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
If you're excited about this job, we're excited to learn about your experience! Please be sure to address each of the following qualifications in your cover letter &mdash; paint us a picture of how your unique skills, experiences, and/or education meet or exceed the qualifications. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 typed page.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
How To Apply Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to the position on our jobs page: <a href="https://www.savannainstitute.org/jobs/">https://www.savannainstitute.org/jobs/</a>
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Deadline All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CT on April 29th, 2024, but position will re-post until filled.&nbsp;
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Questions? Email Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Operations Manager, <a href="mailto:kathleen@savannainstitute.org">kathleen@savannainstitute.org</a>.
&nbsp;
Diversity Commitment
The Savanna Institute affirms the value of diversity of staff and stakeholders, and aims to foster inclusive environments and equitable outcomes of our work. We seek individuals who are committed to these goals.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.

Savanna Institute works in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US.

Director of Research

Job Posting: Field &amp; Lab Technician
 
Summary
Hudson Carbon, a mission-driven research non-profit based in Hudson, New York, is seeking a new team member for our lab &amp; field crew. The Lab &amp; Field Technician will work with Research Director(s), Lab Manager, and other Technicians to manage field work and assist in our soil carbon lab.
&nbsp;
Job Description&nbsp;
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li6">Efficiently and effectively perform various lab and field protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li6">Efficiently and effectively use sieves, analytical scales, and other lab equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li6">Operate GHG flux and soil coring equipment </li>
<li class="li6">Organize, label, and store samples for further use.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li6">Maintain accurate lab records.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li6">Accurately collect and report data from samples.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li6">Assist in inventory upkeep and lab maintenance tasks.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li6">Assist in field equipment upkeep and maintenance </li>
<li class="li6">Opportunity may arise to collect and breakdown soil cores.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Key Qualities/Skills&nbsp;
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li9">Must be incredibly detail oriented, capable of maintaining focus in a busy environment.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Must have the ability to organize and methodically perform repetitive tasks.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Patience and precision are required. Must be willing to take the time to do things correctly.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Must be able to rigorously follow procedures and maintain the integrity of the research process.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Troubleshooting skills and collaboration will be needed when issues arise.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Must be honest and forward about mistakes, to protect the reliability of results.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Bring an easy-going and friendly attitude to work and be excited to contribute to the team.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Must be independently motivated, with a strong work ethic.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li9">Previous lab experience is a plus.</li>
<li class="li9">Must have a passion for science, particularly at the intersection of agriculture, ecology, and climate change. </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Hudson Carbon
Hudson Carbon is an on-farm research institute and soil lab based at Old Mud Creek Farm &amp; The Churchtown Dairy, in Hudson, New York. Our work is focused on developing and implementing research projects that are aimed at better understanding the dynamics of soil &amp; biomass carbon, and greenhouse gas cycling in regenerative, organic agricultural systems &amp; regenerative forest management. Beyond contributing to the literature, our goal is to operationalize our research to catalyze the adoption of regenerative organic agriculture and forestry as a solution to climate change, ecological degradation, and food sovereignty. We achieve this by contributing to state and federal policy development, and collaborating on food system development projects more broadly.&nbsp; To that end, we work with world-class research institutions like Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, The Woodwell Climate Research Center, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, as well as other local and regional stakeholders, including farmers, land conservancies, cooperative extensions, and state &amp; federal legislators. Hudson Carbon was founded and built by organic farmers, bringing a unique perspective to the space, grounded in practical domain knowledge, systems-thinking, and a passion for ecologically-minded agricultural production.
&nbsp;
Interested applicants, please send resume and cover letter, as well as any other relevant resources highlighting your skills and experience, to: <a href="mailto:matt@hudsoncarbon.com">matt@hudsoncarbon.com</a>

Field & Lab Technician

Job Summary
Hudson Carbon is hiring a Research Director to lead our research team in the design, planning, and execution of new and ongoing research projects. The Research Director will play an important role in developing and advancing research priorities, as well as developing and coordinating a team of researchers to carry out our work.
&nbsp;
Key Responsibilities
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Collaborate with the Executive Director, other HC research staff, and advisors, on developing research priorities.</li>
<li class="li2">Provide support to the research team in carrying out aspects of ongoing research projects, including problem-solving, experimental design, data analysis, participating in field and lab work, etc.</li>
<li class="li2">Design and develop successful grant proposals for new research projects, and effectively develop &amp; execute experimental designs and research plans.</li>
<li class="li2">Be able to develop detailed, precise and accurate project budgets.</li>
<li class="li2">Manage grant reporting requirements, and ensure that reports and supporting materials are submitted in a timely fashion.</li>
<li class="li2">Work with research team and collaborators at other organizations on developing manuscripts for publication.</li>
<li class="li2">Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies related to measurement, monitoring, reporting &amp; verification (MMRV) protocols for the voluntary carbon market, regulatory markets, and corporate insetting.</li>
<li class="li2">Work with the Executive Director and Policy Coordinator on policy initiatives related to our research.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Education &amp; Experience
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">PhD in biogeochemistry, soil science, or a related field of environmental/ecosystem science</li>
<li class="li2">Proficiency in the use of GIS software (preferably ArcGIS), including geospatial data processing and analysis workflows</li>
<li class="li2">Proficiency in statistics &amp; data science, including in the use of R &amp; Python languages</li>
<li class="li2">Experience with predictive soil mapping and/or greenhouse gas flux data analysis (eddy covariance &amp; chamber flux)</li>
<li class="li2">Experience in field research, including experimental design, field data collection, and data management &amp; analysis</li>
<li class="li2">Experience in writing successful research grant proposals</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Ideal Candidate...
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Is inspired by the potential for regenerative organic agriculture, agroecology, sustainable forestry, and landscape restoration to address climate change, desertification, and other major threats to our planet's ecosystems.</li>
<li class="li2">Is a systems-thinker with an appreciation for the complexity of ecological systems, and a passion for holistic solutions.</li>
<li class="li2">Is a self starter that is comfortable problem-solving, troubleshooting, and learning new skills through practical application.</li>
<li class="li2">Is a team player who works well with others in a collaborative setting, and is open to learning from peers with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds.</li>
<li class="li2">Is organized, punctual, attentive to detail, and highly skilled at written and verbal communication.</li>
<li class="li2">Has a genuine interest in food and agriculture, particularly regenerative organic production systems, biodynamics, agroecology, and agroforestry.</li>
<li class="li2">Is interested in a unique opportunity to gain practical research experience with access to world-class advisors from reputable institutions, and to advance their career outside traditional academic programs.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Compensation: $80K-$100K annual salary, based on experience, including a robust benefits package
&nbsp;
About Hudson Carbon
Hudson Carbon is an on-farm research institute and soil lab based at Old Mud Creek Farm &amp; The Churchtown Dairy, in Hudson, New York. Our work is focused on developing and implementing research projects that are aimed at better understanding the dynamics of soil &amp; biomass carbon, and greenhouse gas cycling in regenerative, organic agricultural systems &amp; regenerative forest management. Beyond contributing to the literature, our goal is to operationalize our research to catalyze the adoption of regenerative organic agriculture and forestry as a solution to climate change, ecological degradation, and food sovereignty. We achieve this by contributing to state and federal policy development, and collaborating on food system development projects more broadly.&nbsp; To that end, we work with world-class research institutions like Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, The Woodwell Climate Research Center, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, as well as other local and regional stakeholders, including farmers, land conservancies, cooperative extensions, and state &amp; federal legislators. Hudson Carbon was founded and built by organic farmers, bringing a unique perspective to the space, grounded in practical domain knowledge, systems-thinking, and a passion for ecologically-minded agricultural production.
&nbsp;
Interested applicants, please send resume and cover letter, as well as any other relevant resources highlighting your skills and experience, to: <a href="mailto:matt@hudsoncarbon.com">matt@hudsoncarbon.com</a>

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