• Research Associate

    Montana State University (Bozeman, MT)


    Position Details

    Position Information

    Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26235

    For questions regarding this position, please contact:

    Raissa Debacker Moura

    [email protected]

     

    406-994-7621

     

    Classification Title Research Professional

     

    Working Title Research Associate

    Brief Position Overview

    Moura Lab in the Plant Science and Plant Pathology Department, located in Bozeman, MT, is looking for a responsible and enthusiastic Research Associate to join an integrated research program in plant pathogens, population analysis, phenotyping, molecular biology, screening, diagnosis and bioinformatics. The individual will provide leadership and essential support across all aspects of experimentation and will have the opportunity to develop their skills through training, attend scientific meetings, and write grant proposals and manuscripts.

     

    Position Number 4C0758

     

    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

     

    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

    Research in the Moura Lab involves pathogen characterization, population analysis, diagnosis, screening, phenotyping and disease resistance interactions. One of the goals is to use biotechnology research to establish a foundation and conduct applied research to support growers’ management decisions. The candidate will collaborate with other faculty and professionals. The research associate is expected to coordinate activities with the Principal Investigator and achieve the program’s objectives with minimal supervision.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    + Work closely with the PI and provide leadership on topics related to the research program.

    + Assist in the design and implementation of field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies focused on plant pathology, molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

    + 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.

    + In-state travel may be required.

    + Daily tasks may include, but are not limited to: conducting experiments in the lab, field, and greenhouse, organizing the laboratory/greenhouse and cataloging laboratory equipment, ordering supplies, analyzing data from experiments using various computer programs, and providing support for the preparation of publications and presentations.

    Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

    + Master’s degree in Agronomy/Biology/Genetics/Biotechnology or closely related field. Or a Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of professional experience.

    + Research experience in plant pathology, molecular biology, phenotyping, genetics, bioinformatics, and microbiology.

    + Demonstrated ability to conduct field and greenhouse trials.

    + Experience with the operation, maintenance, and organization of laboratory equipment and supplies.

    + Proficiency with the Microsoft Office package, R, bioinformatic tools, and other related statistical software packages.

    + Experience with data collection and analysis.

    + Demonstrated experience supervising graduate, undergraduate students, and temporary workers.

    + Experience with manuscript writing and oral communication/presentations.

    Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

    + Ph.D. in closely related areas of the job description.

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

    + Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA / RNA extraction, PCR , qPCR, and sequence analysis (Sanger, Illumina, Long reads technologies).

    + Experience with isolation, culture, and phenotyping different plant pathogens, such as fungi.

    + Experience with field plot and greenhouse research for disease screening.

    + Experience with Bioinformatic analysis, such as Whole-genome Assembly, Phylogenomic, GWAS , SNP Calling, Primer Design, etc.

    The Successful Candidate Will

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

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

    + Have the ability to keep a regular work schedule.

    + Be detail-oriented, proactive, and curious in carrying out work assignments.

    + Support the PI with peer-reviewed publications and lead the research program.

    Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

    + 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 the growing season, work hours may be more than 8 hours/day.

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

     

    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.

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

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

     

    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 represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

     

    This position has supervisory duties? No

     

    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 January 9, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

     

    Special Instructions

     

    This position is not eligible for new 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.