Employment Opportunity

EO No: 2023-113



Position: Plant Researcher
Salary: N/5/D-P/8/B $17,643.00-$26,450.00 PA
Benefits: "Eligible for housing and transportation benefits"
Opening Date: June 5, 2023
Closing Date: July 4, 2023
Location:

Kosrae Campus/OARR
P.O. Box 37
Tofol, Kosrae FM 96944

College of Micronesia – FSM Mission Statement

The College of Micronesia-FSM is a learner-centered institution of higher education that is committed to the success of the Federated States of Micronesia by providing academic and career & technical educational programs characterized by continuous improvement and best practices.

Values:

About the position
The Plant Researcher/Plant Scientist directly reports to the Coordinator of Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE), CTEC Pohnpei, with management support from the College of Micronesia-FSM (COM-FSM) Campus Dean and the VPCRE. The position is based in and is primarily responsible for activities in the State of Kosrae.
Duties:
Maintain 3-4 Hatch Act-funded projects applicable to the State’s needs and develop them in consultation with State and National stakeholders based on the College of Micronesia (COM) 5-Year Plan of Work. Manage the daily operation and maintenance of the Kosrae Research Station facilities and equipment. Train and supervise research and field staff. Conduct field experiments and research activities to address the goals and objectives of the approved Hatch Projects. Assist the state administration and communities in addressing agriculture-related issues and provide technical expertise when needed. Update plan of work based on an ongoing assessment of community needs. Devote 25% of the time to supporting and conducting extension activities with the Kosrae State Cooperative Research and Extension. Submit annual progress reports of Hatch Projects and extension programs in the NIFA Reporting System (NRS). Formulation and presentation of research findings in a format suitable for outreach and extension program delivery. Report and publish research findings in appropriate peer-reviewed journals or during national and international meetings/conferences/workshops. As a Kosrae Campus Management team member, attend regular meetings and participate in campus programs and events. Attend College of Micronesia-FSM nationwide program activities as appropriate and needed. Perform other duties as desired appropriate to the program and the needs of Kosrae CRE.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in plant science/plant pathology with experience in tropic pathology and plant disease management from a US accredited University. Foreign credentials must be equated to US standards using World Education Services at http://www.wes.org. Ph.D. in the field of work is preferred, with two years of work experience. Strong background in Micro-propagation techniques, protocol development for micro-propagation, laboratory and micro-propagation systems (especially tissue culture) management. Proven ability to train and mentor local staff and students on techniques of plant disease management, plant micro-propagation, and plant nursery management. Ability to travel and work in resource-poor conditions. Ability to work in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary team. Proven ability to develop grant proposals and secure funding from sources other than the state and college-based funding. Proven ability to manage people and funds to satisfy the audit requirements of national/federal/international funding agencies. Ability to formulate and work in a team setting to develop and encourage collaboration with State, National, Federal, Regional, and international partners when possible and necessary.
Contact:
Applications are available at the College of Micronesia-FSM Human Resources Office, state campus sites or at the college's website at www.comfsm.fm.
Application Procedure:

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

  1. A letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s professional qualification and experience match the minimum essential requirements of the position (not to exceed 3 pages);
  2. COM-FSM application form (http://www.comfsm.fm/jobs/HRdocs/employment08.pdf );
  3. A current resume which includes personal email address and cellular phone number;
  4. Copies of college unofficial transcripts for all degrees earned;
  5. A minimum of three professional reference letters;
  6. Copy of valid driver’s license; and
  7. Criminal background check under 6 months old.

Documents are to be submitted electronically to hro@comfsm.fm (preferably as PDF attachments) or mailed to:

Human Resources Office
College of Micronesia-FSM
P.O. Box 159
Pohnpei FM 96941

(U.S Postal Service domestic rates apply in the Federated States of Micronesia.)

Applications will be accepted until July 4, 2023 followed by screening by the committee or until filled. Official and hard copies of college transcripts are require to be mailed directly from schools to HRO when a candidate is being considered.

The College reserves the right to request or require from any applicant additional documentation or certification in addition to the minimum requirements stated in this advertisement in order to be considered for this position. All persons applying must meet or exceed any additional qualifications required in the COM-FSM Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual.


The College of Micronesia - FSM is an equal opportunity employer.
FSM Citizens are encouraged to apply