IRS26360 Associate Program Director - Discovery Research

• Contribute to defining and overseeing the execution of the SAS Discovery research strategy.
• Lead and support transdisciplinary research integrating agronomy, environmental science, economics, social science, and genetic innovation.
• Incorporate new technologies, data science, gender and inclusion research, and real-time monitoring into research design.
• Ensure participatory approaches by involving farmers, research systems, universities, and the private sector in shaping research.
• Drive scientific excellence by ensuring compliance with research standards, ethics, data integrity, and open science.
• Lead proposal development, oversee project execution, donor reporting, and fiscal management.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor transdisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance culture and succession planning.

• Hold a PhD in a relevant field such as crop science, agronomy, soil science, agroecology, environmental or climate science, agricultural or development economics, sustainable development, or a related discipline.
• Have at least 10 years of distinguished leadership experience in research within international organizations, academia, or industry, including managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate strong interdisciplinary science leadership bridging biological, environmental, economic, policy, and systems perspectives.
• Possess a solid record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific contributions related to sustainable agrifood systems.
• Have proven success in securing funding and managing large research budgets and multi-partner projects.
• Have international experience, particularly in developing countries, with a commitment to food security through systems approaches.
• Be knowledgeable in managing research under international legal frameworks and intellectual property agreements.
• Exhibit exceptional relationship management, communication, and advocacy skills, with a results-driven and collaborative leadership style.

The role offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits including housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, children's education assistance, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, retirement plan contributions, and relocation support.

Applicants must apply online through the employer's official contact. Applications should include a CV with contact details of three work-related referees and a cover letter. Only complete applications will be considered. The position will remain open until filled.