Cropping Systems Scientist – Agroforestry

Who we Are

The Savanna Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Madison, WI and Champaign, IL, works with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry – the intentional integration of trees with other agricultural crops and livestock – in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system centered on trees and other perennial crops that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit savannainstitute.org.

Our overall staff of approximately 50 includes a 12-person agroforestry research department, including tree crop breeding, ecosystem science, landscape ecology, and agronomy research. The Cropping Systems Scientist will have access to the organization’s >1,000 acres of farmland in WI and IL and another 100 acres available through Canopy farms, multiple agroforestry demonstration sites, and a network of farmer collaborators across the Midwest.

About the Job

Agroforestry is poised for major expansion in the coming years and decades, and our research team is working to enhance and refine the materials and knowledge base needed to support this scale-up. The Cropping Systems Scientist will:

• Plan and carry out a program of research that aligns with the Savanna Institute’s agroforestry research strategy in:
  • Systems-level questions related to agroforestry systems design and tree crop production, including overstory-understory interactions and multifunctional outcomes
  • Agronomic/horticultural management practices for tree crop species of interest to the Savanna Institute
• Ensure that research results are disseminated to scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders in a timely manner through peer-reviewed publications, outreach materials, etc.
• Build productive internal and external collaborations across multiple disciplines, including with other plant, soil, and agroecosystem scientists, and with extension and technical assistance professional
• Serve as a liaison regarding on-farm research topics with farmer-facing technical assistance staff at the Savanna Institute and its partners
• Secure grant funding to supplement baseline funding the organization allocates to the Cropping Systems program

Who you Are

If you have these required qualifications, we welcome your application:

• Passion about the future of agroforestry and about using rigorous science as a tool to maximize agroforestry’s benefits for people and the planet
• A PhD in agronomy, horticulture, or agroecology, or a PhD in any biophysical sciences discipline plus substantial demonstrated research experience relevant to this position
• Interest and demonstrated ability in being an effective external collaborator and communicator, and as a leader and participant in external research partnerships
• A commitment to the Savanna Institute’s core values, including advancing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts

Additional qualifications

If you also have any of these preferred qualifications, make sure to tell us about them:

• Direct work experience as a researcher beyond the PhD, accompanied by a meaningful peer-reviewed publication record
• Prior research, extension, or production experience with tree crops or agroforestry systems, or in closely aligned crop production systems
• Demonstrated success in applying for, receiving, and managing competitive grants

Other Details

• This position reports to the Director of Research
• This is a full-time position with a salary range of $75,000-$85,000 per year, commensurate with experience
• Candidates are required to locate within convenient driving distance of key Savanna Institute field sites in southwestern WI and central IL
• While most of our employees work remotely, access may be available to shared workspace in our Madison, WI; Spring Green, WI; or Champaign, IL offices.
• A start date no later than May/June 2025 is required, with an earlier start date preferred