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Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25320

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Kevin McPhee

[email protected]

(406) 994-5156

Classification Title Research Professional

Working Title Research Associate

Brief Position Overview

Research in the Pulse Crop Breeding Program is focused on the development of new improved varieties of field pea, lentil, and chickpea. The successful candidate will assist with the cyclical routine of research trials including field and greenhouse experiments. The Research Associate will be expected to carry out research trials with some oversight and coordination with the project director.

Position Number 4C0115

Department Plant Sciences

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary $50,000 - $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

Candidates are sought for the position of research associate in the Pulse Crop Breeding Program in the Department of Plant Science and Plant Pathology at Montana State University. Research in the Pulse Crop Breeding Program involves developing new varieties of pea, lentil and chickpea for Montana production regions. This program is new to MSU and will be establishing genetic populations with desired agronomic, seed quality and disease resistance characteristics. Breeding methods used are conventional and involve greenhouse, field and alternative season locations during the winter months. Collaborations with plant pathologists and other professionals allow identification of disease resistant genotypes and those with good agronomic adaptation. The research associate will be expected to coordinate activities with the Principal Investigator and accomplish the objectives of the program with minimal supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

+ Design and carry out experiments exercising discretion and judgement with minimal supervision.

+ Analyze and interpret data using your experience and judgment to guide future experiments supporting the goals of the project.

+ Daily tasks may include, but are not limited to: maintain equipment, conduct experiments, organize laboratory and catalog laboratory equipment, order supplies, analyze data from field and greenhouse experiments using various computer programs, and provide support for the preparation of publications and presentations.

+ Prepare annual reports summarizing data collected during the year.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ B.S. in agronomy or closely related field.

+ Working knowledge of plant breeding methodology.

+ Demonstrated ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on plot scale equipment.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ M.S. in agronomy or related field.

+ Experience with production of pulse crops in Montana.

+ Experience growing and maintaining plants in greenhouse facilities.

+ Knowledge of Montana cropping systems.

+ Demonstrated experience supervising undergraduate students.

+ Experience using Agrobase Gen II or Genovix.

+ Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.

The Successful Candidate Will

+ Have the ability to interact with lab workers, external collaborators/stakeholders, and students in a professional, positive manner.

+ Have the ability to organize and maintain a well organized physical workspace.

+ Have the ability to keep a regular work schedule.

+ Be detail oriented.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

+ Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding.

+ Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

+ During planting and harvest, work hours may be more than 8 hours/day.

+ Must possess or have the the ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license within six months of hire date.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

+ Be able to lift 50 lbs.

+ Be able to work in inclement weather conditions.

+ With or without reasonable accommodation the person in this position must be able to safely operate research plot scale tractors, planters and combines as well as other stationary equipment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on May 1, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.