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Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26023

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dr. Zach Miller

[email protected]

406-994-3380

Classification Title

Working Title Assistant Professor- Horticulture *Corvallis, MT*

Brief Position Overview

This tenure-track position (FY 12-month appointment; 80% research, 10% teaching, 10% service) will be located at the Montana State University Western Agricultural Research Center ( WARC ) in Corvallis, MT.

Corvallis is located, as the name suggests, in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, one of the more beautiful locations in Montana. Recreational activities include skiing, biking, fishing, hiking, kayaking, hunting, and mountain climbing. The surrounding area is rich with historic sites and national and state parks.

WARC is one of the seven research centers in the Department of Research Centers. WARC , situated on 29 acres of irrigated farmland in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana, is one of MSU’s Agricultural Experiment Stations ( MAES ). The MAES mission, established in 1893 by state statute, is “to conduct and promote studies, scientific investigations and experiments relating to agriculture, natural resources and rural life, and to diffuse information thereby acquired among the people of Montana.” Each center focuses on regionally specific aspects of Montana agriculture, providing evidence-based and unbiased outreach and education to Montana producers.

WARC is the only MSU agricultural research center focused specifically on horticulture, specializing in high-value specialty crops, fruit and vegetable production, local food security, and increasing sustainability and economic returns for small-acreage operations. The station also conducts farmer-focused research on row and forage crops, labor and labor efficiency, fruit and vegetable quality and storage, and development of value-added products.

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank Assistant Professor

Position Number 4B0757

Department AES WARC

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Faculty

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type MUS

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

This position will focus on the development of a research program that focuses on horticultural crops (fruits and/or vegetables and among other potential interests such as integrated pest management, produce quality and storage, and value adding processing, etc.) in Montana. The incumbent will contribute to the existing horticulture research and outreach program for the Western Agricultural Research Center (https://agresearch.montana.edu/warc/index.html) .

Duties and Responsibilities

The position is 80% research, 10% outreach/teaching, and 10% service. The incumbent is responsible for developing a research program that focuses on fruit and vegetable production in Montana.

The individual is expected to cooperate with other scientists, educators, farmers, and related industries, advisory and commodity groups to develop research priorities and actively participate in developing recommendations for the management of horticultural crops. The successful individual will also provide expertise to other research programs in the Department, College, and MAES as appropriate. Securing extramural funds from state, regional, and national grant programs, as well as the agricultural industry, is required.

Outreach/teaching duties will be fulfilled through graduate student mentoring and stakeholder (producer, processor, and consumer) education. The position requires the ability to communicate research findings in both oral and written formats, including refereed publications. Participation in outreach and service activities is expected.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. A completed Ph.D. in Horticulture or closely related discipline at the time of hire.

2. Demonstrated expertise in production, management and research of horticultural crops.

3. Demonstrated experience in planning, designing and implementing field and/or lab research, and interpreting research results using accepted, robust scientific methodology.

4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with scientists, farmers, and other agricultural clientele.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Postdoctoral experience in horticultural crops.

2. Documented success in obtaining external grant support.

3. Experience in horticulture, particularly for small-scale, specialty crop farms in cold climates.

4. Experience with production and management of horticultural crops under irrigated conditions.

5. Experience in overall management and participation with a research team.

6. Demonstrate effective farmer-stakeholder engagement in development and delivery of research and outreach programs.

The Successful Candidate Will

The successful candidate will have great interpersonal skills and will be an excellent communicator.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Physical Demands

This position will work in the field. The successful candidate must have the ability to navigate uneven terrain on foot, work around dust, seeds, and pollen, and work in inclement weather.

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.

The Program

The Department

The Department of Research Centers represents a unique organizational unit with faculty and staff that conduct research and outreach programs at seven off-campus research centers throughout Montana. This position is located at the Western Agricultural Research Center ( WARC ) near Corvallis, MT. The region has a significant and developing tree fruit/small fruit and other horticultural crops industry. An advisory board made up of producers and extension agents has provided guidance in the development of this position and will provide guidance for development of research and extension priorities.

The College

As a land grant institution, Montana State University provides education, research, and extension/outreach programs focused to meet the changing needs of Montana. The College of Agriculture and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station generate and disseminate superior knowledge and technological solutions to increase the competitiveness of communities capturing value from Montana’s agricultural and natural resources, preserve environmental quality, and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Spring/Summer 2026

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on November 11, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

To be considered in the pool, apply online by uploading the following:

+ Letter of application specifically addressing all the required and preferred qualifications.

+ Curriculum Vitae listing details of academic training, expertise area, work experience and employment history, publications and grant funds.

+ List of 4 references (at least two direct supervisors).

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.