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University of Idaho

Research & Extension Specialist I

🇺🇸 Boise, ID

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $81K

💻 Research

🗓️ June 23rd, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Idaho is hiring a Research & Extension Specialist I who will independently conduct research and extension activities within a multi-scholar initiative focused on rural development issues in the Western United States. The specialist will perform complex scientific analyses, develop actionable recommendations, manage project components, engage stakeholders, and contribute to grant proposals to translate scientific knowledge into practical community benefits.

Highlights

  • Responsible for developing a recognized research and extension program on rural development in the Western U.S.
  • Perform complex scientific analyses and translate findings into actionable Extension recommendations.
  • Adjust experimental designs and lead discrete project components under senior investigator direction.
  • Manage technical aspects of projects including budgeting, scheduling, reporting, and document approvals.
  • Prepare peer-reviewed publications, Extension bulletins, and presentations for diverse audiences.
  • Engage with stakeholders to integrate research findings into Extension programming and services.
  • Required skills include experimental design, data analysis, project leadership, and communication.
  • Requires a Doctoral Degree in applied economics, rural sociology, or related discipline; or Master’s plus two additional years of research experience.
  • At least three years of relevant research experience is required.
  • Annual compensation starts at $81,432 depending on education and experience.

Research & Extension Specialist I Full Description


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Research & Extension Specialist I
Position Details
 Position Information 
Internal Posting?  |
Posting Number  | SP004815P
Position Title  | Research & Extension Specialist I
Division/College  | College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department  | WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)
Location  | Boise, Off Campus Location - WRDC
Posting Context Statement  | The individual in this position will be responsible for developing a well-recognized Extension and research program that focuses on relevant rural development issues in the Western United States.
Position Overview  | Serves as an independent researcher, extension staff, or collaborator on a multi-scholar Research and Extension initiative. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator. This role combines Research with Extension activities to ensure scientific knowledge is translated into practical applications that benefit communities.

Duties may include: Perform complex scientific analyses and translate findings into actionable recommendations for Extension programs Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis or community feedback Direct the development of research and Extension recommendations to address specific project or stakeholder needs Perform peer review of scientific and Extension projects, studies or applications and provide actionable recommendations Prepare peer-reviewed publications, Extension bulletins or presentations for audiences Resolve complex project-specific technical, regulatory or programmatic issues related to research and Extension work Establish work priorities and performance standards, hire and train staff and evaluate staff performance May manage technical aspects of projects, including scope of work, budgeting, scheduling, reporting, implementing field projects, and approving scientific and Extension documents Participate in the development of grant proposals as a named project contributor Engage with stakeholders to ensure research findings are effectively integrated into Extension programming and services
Unit URL  | https://wrdc.uidaho.edu/
 Position Qualifications 
Required Experience  | Three years of research experience related to the domain of this position
Required Education  | Doctoral Degree in applied economics, rural sociology or related discipline; a Master’s Degree plus an additional two years of research experience (for a total of five years) may be substituted for a Doctoral Degree
Required Other  | Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles Must be able to: Occasionally travel for job related duties Work nonstandard hours including occasional evenings and weekends 
Additional Preferred  | Record of writing proposals and acquiring externally funded grants Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on extramurally funded research Record of two or more lead-author publications in peer-reviewed journals Experience with experimental design, complex data analysis and Extension program development or delivery Demonstrated record of research achievement Demonstrated record of Extension achievement Experience, training, or demonstrated knowledge of US and Western rural development issues Ability to work in collaborative partnerships with disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with constituents, client groups and the general public Demonstrating ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team Specialization or emphasis on rural development, labor, entrepreneurship, economic geography or closely related area Demonstrated excellence in written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions  | None

Degree Requirement  | Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire
 Posting Information 
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Employee Category  | Exempt
Pay Range  | $81,432.00 or higher depending on education and experience.
Type of Appointment  | Fiscal Year
FTE  | 1.0
Full Time/Part Time  | Full Time
Funding  | This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.  | Uncertain
Posting Date  | 04/01/2025
Closing Date  |
Open Until Filled  | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants  | Applications received by April 22, 2025, will receive first consideration.

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, you will need to provide a research statement, extension statement, and 1 journal article (uploaded as one PDF file to Statement of Research document field), unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 3 references within the application. To improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.

If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Paul Lewin at plewin@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.
Applicant Resources  | https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement  | Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement  | The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. List of References 
  3. Transcripts
  4. Other Document 1
  5. Other Document 2
  6. Letter of Qualification
  7. Statement of Research 
Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  2. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity? 
    • Academic Careers
    • Asians in Higher Ed
    • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
    • Blacks in Higher Ed
    • Chronicle
    • Disabled in Higher Ed
    • Facebook
    • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
    • Higher Ed Jobs
    • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
    • Indeed.com
    • Inside Higher Ed
    • LinkedIn
    • Native Americans in Higher Ed
    • Newspaper
    • Other Venue
    • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
    • University of Idaho Website
    • University of Idaho Daily Register
    • University of Idaho Employee
    • Veterans in Higher Ed
    • Women and Higher Ed
    • Word of Mouth
University of Idaho Human Resources
 Moscow, ID 83844-4332
 (208) 885-3638
employment@uidaho.edu 
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