Research Manager

The Research Manager will lead grain quality characterization and analytical research activities that support sorghum improvement, variety development, and market expansion. The position is responsible for implementing and advancing high-throughpu...

  • 521855
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Ag Deans Office & Dir AES
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Jul 9 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Research Manager will lead grain quality characterization and analytical research activities that support sorghum improvement, variety development, and market expansion. The position is responsible for implementing and advancing high-throughput grain quality phenotyping methods, including spectroscopy-based analyses; managing laboratory operations and quality data generation; validating and maintaining analytical calibrations; and coordinating sample collection and testing across public and private breeding programs. The Research Manager will collaborate with plant breeders, geneticists, and industry partners to integrate grain quality phenotypes into genetic and genomic analyses, support predictive model development, and facilitate the translation of research findings into improved sorghum varieties with enhanced nutritional, functional, and end-use value. The position will also manage projects, communicate findings to stakeholders, and contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen the profitability and competitiveness of sorghum production.

About Us

We're proud to be recognized as one of the nation's top ag schools. It's an outgrowth of our dedication to advancing the science of agriculture and the art of teaching. Our faculty truly care about students, colleagues and the world we serve. Every day, we put our hands and minds together to work on better ways to achieve sustainability, feed billions, build agribusinesses and improve lives with thoughtful, well-researched use of plants, animals, numbers and words. Visit our website to learn more, https://www.ag.k-state.edu/

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and three years of relevant experience in the following:
    conducting cereal grain spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, or grain quality characterization research; working with grain sorghum, including research, breeding, quality assessment, or end-use evaluation; operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory instrumentation used for grain composition and quality analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, Crop Sciences, Cereal Sciences, Agronomy, Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
  • Five or more years of experience conducting cereal grain spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, or grain quality characterization research.
  • Five or more years of experience working with grain sorghum and its improvement, quality, utilization, or end-use applications.
  • Demonstrated expertise in chemometrics, multivariate statistical analysis, and predictive model development for spectroscopy-based applications.
  • Experience developing, validating, and implementing calibration models for grain composition, quality, or processing traits.
  • Proficiency with statistical and data analysis software such as R, Python, SAS, JMP, or similar platforms.
  • Record of scientific publications, technical reports, or presentations related to grain quality, cereal chemistry, spectroscopy, or sorghum research.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document methods, analyze results, and communicate findings to diverse audiences.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Three Professional References

Application Window

Applications close on: July 9, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$64,709 - $70,000

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.