• Research Associate - Weed Science *Huntley

    Montana State University (Bozeman, MT)


    Position Details

    Position Information

    Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26155

    For questions regarding this position, please contact:

    Dr. Matheus Noguera

     

    [email protected]

     

    406-994-3413

     

    Classification Title Research Professional

     

    Working Title Research Associate - Weed Science *Huntley, MT*

    Brief Position Overview

    The Noguera Lab at Southern Ag Research Center ( SARC ), located in Huntley MT, is looking for a responsible and curious Research Associate to conduct research on integrated weed management and molecular mechanisms of herbicide resistance. The individual will provide essential support in all aspects of experimentation, and will have the opportunity to develop his/her skills through trainings, attend scientific meetings, and write grant proposals and manuscripts.

     

    SARC is one of seven off-campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers, and consists of 462 irrigated and dryland acres. It is well-equipped with modern field plot equipment, laboratory equipment, facilities, and state-of-the-art greenhouses. Major commodities grown in the region include cereals, sugar beets, corn, oilseeds, pulse crops, and forages. The research center is located 20 miles east of Billings, the largest metropolitan city in Montana, and 160 miles east of Bozeman and the main campus of Montana State University.

     

    Position Number 4C5013

     

    Department AES SARC

     

    Division College of Agriculture/MAES

     

    Appointment Type Research 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 Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

     

    Contract Type LOA

     

    If other, please specify

     

    Recruitment Type Open

    Position Details

    General Statement

    The Department of Research Centers ( DRC ) serves the state of Montana’s agricultural and natural resource industries by providing applied research through a network of seven Research Centers. Our research centers develop relevant research tailored to the agricultural challenges of each region of Montana.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    + Assist in the design and implementation of field, greenhouse and laboratory studies focused on weed biology and herbicide resistance management.

    + Prepare and spray herbicide treatments in accordance with safety procedures.

    + Collect, analyze, and summarize research data.

    + Operate and maintain field, greenhouse and laboratory equipment.

    + Supervise part-time and seasonal labor as needed.

    + Work independently with minimal supervision.

    + Some in-state travel may be required.

    Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

    + Master’s degree in agronomy or Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of professional experience.

    + Research experience in agronomy and weed science.

    + Experience with operation and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.

    + Proficiency with Microsoft Office package.

    + Experience with data collection and analysis.

    + Experience in supervising part-time and temporary help.

    + Excellent written and oral communication skills.

    Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

    + Knowledge of the crops and production practices associated with Montana.

    + Experience with data management and interpretation tools such as R, ARM or other statistical software packages.

    + Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA / RNA extraction, PCR , qPCR and sequence analysis.

    + Experience with manuscript writing and figure preparation.

    The Successful Candidate Will

    + Have good interpersonal, organizational, communication and computer skills.

    + Be proactive and curious, meticulous and precise in carrying out work assignments.

    + Follow instructions, maintain effective attention to detail, meet deadlines, and prioritize competing demands.

    Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

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

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

    + 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.)

    + Must be able to obtain a Pesticide Applicator License within 60 days of hire.

     

    This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but is 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

    + Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen-bearing plants and pesticides.

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

    + Must be able to lift 60 pounds.

    + Must be able to walk and stand in rough terrain for long periods of time.

    + Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.

     

    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

     

    Position End Date (if temporary)

     

    Open Date

     

    Close Date

    Applications will be:

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

     

    Special Instructions

     

    This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

    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.