Job Information
Montana State University Research Assistant III in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25158
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Aritra Roy Choudhury
aritra.roychoudhury@montana.edu (nzidack@montana.edu)
Classification Title Research Asst III
Working Title Research Assistant III
Brief Position Overview
The successful candidate will work with Potato Lab staff in the performance of sample collection, disease testing, both ELISA and PCR , and evaluation of potato diseases in the field.
Position Number 4N1476
Department Plant Sciences
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 0.4
Benefits Eligible Not Eligible
Salary $19.468 - $24.335 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Classified Hourly
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Montana Seed Potato Certification Program (Potato Lab) is responsible for maintenance of disease-free planting stock and performing all crop evaluations in support of certifying seed potatoes in Montana.
Duties and Responsibilities
Perform potato sample collection, processing and analytical testing including ELISA and PCR .
Assist with all aspects of postharvest testing.
Analyze potato tuber samples for bacterial pathogens.
Serve as a field inspector during the summer.
Inspection duties include traveling to farms, identifying and documenting diseases and summarizing reports for growers.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience in the use of laboratory equipment such as laminar flow hood, autoclave, centrifuges, and PCR thermal cyclers.
Experience accurately maintaining detailed records in a laboratory setting.
Education or experience in routine laboratory procedures, including maintaining sterile work areas and tools.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience identifying potato diseases in a field setting;
Experience identifying diseases in potato tubers;
Experience maintaining confidential records.
The Successful Candidate Will
Flexibility in scheduling;
Willing to drive long distances and perform physical tasks during the same day;
Willingness to stay overnight in potato growing areas.
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.)
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
Lift up to 50 pounds.
Work outside 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.
This position has supervisory duties? No
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 November 15, 2024; 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.