Research Coordinator

Summary

The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) is seeking a dynamic and highly analytical Research Coordinator to lead and modernize agronomic, entomological, and pathological research within Jamaica's commodities sector. This role is vital in ensuring scientific innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance while driving data-driven policy recommendations to enhance market competitiveness and climate resilience. 💰Basic Salary: $6,300,000 - $6,900,000 JMD per annum.

Responsibilities

• Research Leadership & Policy Development:

  • • Develop and implement scientific research frameworks aligned with international best practices.
  • • Oversee the execution of agronomic, entomological, and pathological research projects to enhance commodity production and sustainability.
  • • Ensure full compliance with global agricultural research policies, data integrity, and ethical standards.
  • • Collaborate with global research institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
  • • Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to support Jamaica's agricultural regulations.

• Industry Development & Sustainability:

  • • Lead climate-smart agricultural research to mitigate risks from pests, diseases, and environmental changes.
  • • Design and oversee pilot projects and field trials for increased crop productivity.
  • • Develop biosecurity protocols to prevent and control disease outbreaks.
  • • Innovate pest and disease management strategies using biotechnological research.
  • • Establish data-driven risk assessment models for early disease detection and intervention.

• Data Analysis, Reporting & Knowledge Dissemination:

  • • Conduct scientific studies, statistical modeling, and data-driven decision-making to drive industry advancements.
  • • Publish peer-reviewed research findings for national and international dissemination.
  • • Develop policy briefs, industry reports, and technical research papers to inform stakeholders.
  • • Implement quality assurance protocols to maintain research integrity and compliance.

• Technical & Operational Management:

  • • Supervise laboratory and field research teams, ensuring adherence to international research standards.
  • • Manage the acquisition, maintenance, and calibration of scientific equipment and research facilities.
  • • Optimize research workflows to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • • Monitor and enforce ethical research practices in compliance with global standards.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building:

  • • Develop and manage collaboration networks with academic institutions, research agencies, and private sector partners.
  • • Represent JACRA at national, regional, and international research forums.
  • • Organize training programs and workshops for researchers, industry stakeholders, and commodity producers.
  • • Secure research funding and grants to support ongoing scientific initiatives.

Required Skills

• • Extensive knowledge of agronomic research, entomology, pathology, and climate-smart agriculture.
• • Proven experience in managing field trials, laboratory research, and advanced data analysis.
• • Strong understanding of global agricultural standards, research ethics, and compliance frameworks.
• • Demonstrated ability to secure research funding and manage grants.
• • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills to interpret research data and recommend policy changes.
• • Ability to collaborate with international research institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders.

Qualifications

• • Postgraduate degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Biology, Agronomy, or a related field with at least 5 years of research leadership experience in agriculture, commodities, or sustainability.
OR
• • Bachelor's degree in the above fields plus 7 years of research experience in a relevant sector.

Additional Information and Instructions

Apply now at joinourteam@jacra.org Application Deadline: April 4, 2025

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