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Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25337

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Mike Giroux

[email protected]

406-994-7877

Classification Title Research Scientist and/or Research Engineers

Working Title Research Scientist – Pulse Crop Breeding Program

Brief Position Overview

The pulse research scientist will manage day to day pulse crop breeding program activities. Primary responsibilities are to develop and release genetically improved pulse crop cultivars adapted to Montana.

Position Number 4C0117

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 $55,000 - $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The pulse breeding program synchronously advances all stages of crosses and grows three generations of pulses each year. Yield trials are planted in Bozeman and at the seven MAES research centers each spring. The success of the project involves screening thousands of lines in the laboratory and/or field to genetically or phenotypically select those that have the desired characteristics, then subsequently field testing those selections across years and location to identify those with release potential. The successful candidate will work together with a breeding team consisting of Research Associates and student workers.

Duties and Responsibilities

+ Planning, design, and implementation of greenhouse, laboratory, and field research projects.

+ Field data recording and collection of research samples using scientifically prescribed methods.

+ Data compilation, entry and analysis, interpretation and summation of research results.

+ Genotypic and/or phenotypic plant, headrow, and plot selection for desired characters.

+ Hands on participation in planting, plot management, sampling, evaluation, selection, and harvest operations.

+ Supervision and coordination of project personnel.

+ Travel to, and evaluation of, pulse trials and germplasm at diverse Montana research sites.

+ Pure seed increases of pulse lines targeted for variety release.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ PH.D. degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, or related field.

+ Documented experience using modern plant breeding techniques and breeding tools for cultivar development.

+ A record of publication in refereed journals.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ Postdoctoral research experience in plant genetics or related field.

+ Effective communication skills to disseminate research information to varied audiences.

+ Demonstrated experience supervising employees, including student employees and/or temporary labor.

+ Evidence of potential or previous success in obtaining competitive research funding.

+ Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring students.

+ Experience with off-season nurseries and/or rapid generation advancement.

The Successful Candidate Will

The successful candidate will have:

+ Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

+ Time management skills and be detail oriented.

+ Follow all university rules and policies.

+ Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

+ Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate.

+ 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.)

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

+ Maneuver 60 pounds.

+ Navigate rough terrain for long periods of time.

+ Work in inclement weather conditions for long periods of time.

+ Work in and around dust, pollen-bearing plants, and agricultural pesticides.

+ Work with and around loud equipment and heavy machinery.

+ Work in inclement weather – hot or cold and work more than 40 hours per week as needed during planting and harvesting.

+ Must be able to safely enter, exit and operate numerous types of farm and research scale machinery unsupervised.

+ Must be able to safely and effectively use seed cleaning and seed processing machinery.

+ Must be able to drive a pick-up truck while towing trailers or farm implements.

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 April 25, 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.