Job Information
Montana State University Research Associate I in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25042
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Suchismita Mondal
suchismita.mondal@montana.edu
406-994-5127
Classification Title Research Professional
Working Title Research Associate I
Brief Position Overview
The winter wheat research associate will implement day to day winter wheat breeding program activities and work with the winter wheat breeder to develop and release genetically improved winter wheat breeding cultivars adapted to Montana.
Position Number 4C0696
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 Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The winter wheat breeding program uses field, greenhouse, and laboratory resources to synchronously advance segregating populations, phenotypically and/or genetically select lines for further testing, and field test selected lines in diverse Montana environments for adaptation, pest resistance, agronomic suitability, productivity, and end-use quality. Yield trials are planted in Bozeman and at the seven MAES research centers each fall. The successful candidate will work together with breeding team currently consisting of a breeder, one Research Associate and several undergraduate students.
Duties and Responsibilities
Planning, design, and implementation of Field, greenhouse, laboratory research projects;
Hands on participation in planting, plot management, sampling, evaluation, selection, and harvest operations;
Field data recording and collection of research samples using scientifically prescribed methods;
Compile, enter, statistically analyze, and archive research and pedigree data; summarize and interpret research results;
Phenotypic plant, head row, and plot selection for desired characters;
Supervision and coordination of project personnel;
Travel to, and evaluation of, winter wheat trials and germplasm at diverse Montana research sites;
Pure seed increases of wheat lines targeted for variety release;
Write reports and publications.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
B.S or M.S. degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Breeding, or related field.
Experience with agricultural research including field small plot research, greenhouse management, plot management, data collection, harvest, and sample processing.
Experience with MS word, MS Excel, statistical software, and data management.
Demonstrated experience hiring/supervising employees, including student employees and/or temporary labor.
Ability to accurately and efficiently summarize data and write reports, extension publications, potentially contribute to scientific publications.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Effective communication skills to disseminate research information to diverse audience.
Knowledge of wheat hybridization techniques and common plant breeding methods and strategies.
Documented experience using modern plant breeding techniques and breeding tools for cultivar development.
Interest and/or experience mentoring students
The Successful Candidate Will
Be a team player with effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills,
Have good time management skills.
Be detail oriented.
Follow all university rules and policies.
Work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
To apply, upload your Curriculum Vita or resume and a cover letter outlining how you meet each individual required and preferred qualification. Please note, this posting requires contact information for three professional references within your app profile.
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
Move and 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.
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 August 20, 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.