Senior Research Scientist at The Noble Research Institute, LLC – Ardmore, Oklahoma

Senior Research Scientist
Job Category: Research
Requisition Number: SENIO001098
January 12, 2026
Full Time
~' '~to~' '~Ardmore, OK 73401, USA

SALARY RANGE: $80,192-$100,240.50

**Please include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 professional references. Applications that do not include the requested information will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed further.**

At Noble, we believe the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans is one and indivisible. We believe in rebuilding healthy soils and helping producers maintain a strong bottom line. Through these two actions, we can transform degraded grazing lands across the United States, benefiting the environment and society as a whole.

Our focus is to help farmers and ranchers apply regenerative ranching principles to the nation’s 654 million acres of grazing lands. This monumental undertaking requires thousands of producers across the U.S. to overcome significant barriers and change their current practices to work with nature, not against it.

Our research team conducts applied research to validate and understand the boundaries of regenerative management. This research aims to uncover new knowledge, address challenges faced by farmers and ranchers, and contribute to the broader scientific understanding of soil health and grazing animal production. Our researchers strive to answer critical producer-guided questions regarding soil management, grazing, economics and business operations.

We are looking for a Senior Research Scientist that will provide scientific leadership in understanding, managing, and enhancing forage and plant communities within grazing lands to support soil health, forage productivity, and overall ecosystem function.

The primary focus of this position is on the agronomic and ecological function and management of forage and grazing land plant communities, including their interactions with soil, livestock, and management practices. This work will inform science-based recommendations for producers seeking to improve forage productivity, diversity, and ecological health across working landscapes. This position will design and execute applied research projects, work collaboratively with Noble’s research team, producers and research partners, and translate scientific insights into actionable management strategies for land stewards.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Have a PhD in forage science, agronomy, rangeland science, soil science or closely related discipline.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific areas
• Demonstrated expertise in forage and grazing systems, plant ecology, and the plant-soil-animal continuum
• Success in grant development and project leadership
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency in integrating field and systems-level research
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex science to diverse audiences
• Commitment to team-based, interdisciplinary problem-solving aligned with Noble’s regenerative agriculture mission
• Commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration and producer engagement
• Familiarity with emerging technologies for monitoring soil, forage, or animal performance
• Experience conducting on-farm or participatory research in grazing systems
• Understanding of carbon cycling, nutrient management, and soil health indicators in grazing contexts

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting research strategy
  • Contributing to the execution of Noble's research plan, including identifying new research opportunities, engaging with partners, and participating in the identification and development of grant proposals.
  • Developing and assisting with design and implementation of research projects aligned with Noble's five-year research plan. Developing research methodologies and protocols for data collection and interpretation.
  • Maintaining strong knowledge of current scientific and technological development to attain leadership at the research frontier and staying updated on latest scientific developments in the field.
• Executing research projects
  • Leading components of interdisciplinary research projects, including experimental setup, data collection, and data analysis.
  • Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to support project goals, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
  • Interpreting and disseminating research data to diverse audiences, including scientific and producer-based audiences.
• Networking and engagement
  • Working with partners and collaborators in the execution of joint projects. Presenting ideas for new projects or funding considerations.
  • Identifying ideas for new projects or funding opportunities that are aligned with Noble's five-year research plan.
  • Representing Noble in consortia, working groups, and external stakeholder meetings.
  • Building partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry collaborators.
• Communicating research outcomes
  • Preparing technical reports and detailed internal communication to inform stakeholders and support the development of educational products.
  • Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences ensuring research is disseminated and recognized.
  • Delivering outreach via speaking engagements, conferences, and technical symposiums to elevate the organization's brand and engage the scientific community.
• Supporting team development
  • Guiding and supporting junior research staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
  • Sharing expertise and promoting continuous learning through informal mentorship and technical support.
• Stewarding resources
  • Monitoring and ensuring research equipment is properly used and maintained.
  • Supporting research integrity, data quality, and stewardship practices across research activities.
  • Ensuring responsible financial management and adhering to budgetary guidelines to support sustainable research operations.

We will:

• Teach you. We will support you with professional development opportunities that will hone your skills and grow you professionally.
• Support you. We’re committed to building solutions for each other in addition to our stakeholders. Our team members make time to help, provide solutions, and remove roadblocks with regular collaboration across groups, regardless of where our office is. We are empowered and equipped with the tools that allow us to connect, to be intentional and to grow together.
• Include you. We come from different parts of the globe and from different walks of life, but we share the vision of our founder, Lloyd Noble, to improve the land for the benefit of all society. Our culture is inclusive, supportive, and diverse. We want to be a part of your story and you to help write part of ours. Your perspective and experience is invaluable. Come grow with us!
• Provide you. We offer competitive salary and benefits, including multiple options for health and retirement plans, employee wellness program, employee recognition program, and wellness center. In addition, we have a safe-to-learn work environment and organizational support for community involvement and volunteering.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)