North Carolina State University

Study Director - IR-4 Project

Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Post-baccalaureate credentials or comparable research productivity required.
  • Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and deadline management skills.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills essential.
  • Experience in independent project directorship is a must.
  • Preferred: Master's degree in analytical chemistry or related fields.
  • Preferred: 3 years' experience in applied pest management research or 10 years' equivalent experience with a Bachelor's degree.
  • Training and experience with U.S. EPA Good Laboratory Practice Regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage national research protocols in compliance with EPA regulations.
  • Oversee approximately 60 ongoing residue research studies, managing multiple phases.
  • Evaluate and approve modifications to research protocols in real-time.
  • Track status of active studies and maintain open communication with stakeholders.
  • Prepare
  • submission-ready
  • data packages adhering to national and international standards.
  • Identify and address data gaps in reports efficiently and effectively.
  • Participate in professional meetings, present findings, and collaborate with other researchers.

Benefits

  • Work in a collaborative environment focused on applied research.
  • Opportunity for travel 3-6 times per year for professional engagement.
  • Engagement in varied leadership and mentorship roles within the organization.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number
PG194770EP

Internal Recruitment
No

Working Title
Study Director - IR-4 Project

Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Experience ($80,000 - $95,000)

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday / 40 hours/week (regular in-person attendance is required)

Job Location
Raleigh, NC

Department
IR-4 Project

Essential Job Duties

The Study Director position will report directly to the IR-4 Submission Manager and Senior Study Director. This position will be an integral part of the IR-4 Project Headquarters unit. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

Protocol Development (30%): Provide technical direction of research associated with IR-4 Project Magnitude of the Residue Studies that are performed by cooperating university and government scientists at various locations throughout North America. All aspects of the study must follow the provisions of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Federal Good Laboratory Practice (Chapter 40- Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160) regulations. Specific duties include development of approximately 10 national research protocols (study plans) annually for IR-4 Project sanctioned studies. Responsible for drafting and developing protocols after extensive consultation with owners of the products, study scientists and IR-4 Project biologists. Must be able to balance needs of stakeholder suggestions in the development of the final product. Protocols must be prepared and authorized well in advance of target dates for research.

Study Coordination (30%): Direct and manage approximately 60 on-going IR-4 sponsored residue research studies in various phases of completion. An average IR-4 residue study involves seven field trials and one analytical phase performed at various research facilities. This means that the Study Director is responsible to direct the research of 400 research projects. As autonomous director of the projects, the study director must assist scientists to successfully plan, conduct and report on IR-4 sponsored research with chemical and bio-based pesticides on specialty crops. Must promptly evaluate and approve all proposed modifications from the authorized research protocol. Must keep track of status of active studies, including knowledge when critical phases of research are planned/performed, when residue samples are shipped to the analytical laboratory, when samples are analyzed by the laboratory and when research reports are received. Communicate with numerous individuals to maintain involvement in all facets of the research. Also responsible for critical review and scientific assessment of the data/data reports associated with the studies in a timely manner to ensure that the research was performed appropriately and according to protocol. Review includes the test substance application rates, application timing of the test substance collection of adequate residue samples, and appropriate storage of samples before and during shipping to the laboratory, review of the analytical data including the analytical summary report. All findings of the Quality Assurance unit must be promptly addressed.

Data package development (30%): Independently develop approx. 6 "submission ready" data packages annually utilizing established national (USEPA-OPPTS GUIDELINES) and/or international standards (e.g. UN FAO-Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues). Expectations are that the incumbent:
  • Prepare quality reports that are easily reviewed by all parties (Quality Assurance Unit, IR-4 Management, Cooperating Company, US EPA, others). When something is missing, identify the gap, solicit information and/or data for performing facilities in order to close data gaps, then compose summaries and existing data/info in correct format. This must be completed under IR-4 established timelines.
  • Maximize value of existing research through the use of extrapolation models and crop groups, reduced data requirement proposals, and/or broad use pattern. Communicate with personnel in all facets of the project in a professional manner to complete projects in accordance with timelines.
  • Assist other Study Directors in preparing reports and interpreting data.


Other Responsibilities

Other responsibilities as assigned (10%)
  • Attend IR-4, grower, and professional meetings, make presentations and join committees of appropriate groups.
  • Travel is an expectation of this position (3-6 times per year).
  • Assist other Study Directors and the Senior Study Directors in completion of projects.
  • Work in a cooperative manner with other individuals at Headquarters and elsewhere.
  • General duties at IR-4 Headquarters include maintaining support for the office and research programs.


Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Requires possession of post-baccalaureate credentials or a comparable record of independent research productivity.


Other Required Qualifications
  • Ability to maintain attention to details, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Independent project directorship experience.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master of Science in analytical chemistry, the plant protection sciences (Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Entomology), horticulture, or related areas.
  • At least 3 years of experience in applied pest management research/regulatory sciences; or Bachelor of Science degree and at least 10 years' experience in chemistry or the applied pest management research/regulatory sciences.
  • Documented training and experience with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Good Laboratory Practice Regulations.


Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • NC Driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.


Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes

Commercial Driver's License required
No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date
07/23/2026

Anticipated Close Date
Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and Contact Information for at least 3 Professional References.

Position Details

Position Number
00112207

Position Type
EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00

Appointment
12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID
110313 - IR-4 Project

About North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University (NC State) is a public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution. The university forms one of the corners of the Research Triangle together with Duke University in Durham and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Enrollment is over 36,000 students. NC State was founded in 1887 as a land-grant institution.
Learn more about North Carolina State University

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