Job Information
Montana State University Research Scientist of Crop Variety Testing & Agronomy - Central Ag Research Center (CARC) in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24381
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Patrick Carr
patrick.carr@montana.edu
406-423-5421
Classification Title Research Scientist and/or Research Engineers
Working Title Research Scientist of Crop Variety Testing & Agronomy - Central Ag Research Center (CARC)
Brief Position Overview
This is a 12-month research scientist position. The position is funded by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. There are opportunities to secure extramural funding from state, regional, and/or national sources in partial support of these responsibilities.
Position Number 4C1673
Department AES CARC
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 Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $50,000 - $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The position will be located at the Central Agricultural Research Center ( CARC ) just west of Moccasin, Montana. The CARC is one of seven off-campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers. The research scientist has excellent opportunities to collaborate with other faculty at the center, across the department, and on the main campus in Bozeman, including plant breeders, crop and soil scientists, and others representing various agricultural science disciplines. The CARC consists of 600 dryland acres and is well-equipped with modern field plot equipment, a grain and seed laboratory, and a new (2024) state-of-the-art greenhouse. Excellent outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area.
Duties and Responsibilities
Direct the crop variety testing program at CARC and at associated off-station locations. This primary responsibility will include at least 60% collaborative work with Montana State University’s plant breeding programs (spring wheat, winter wheat, durum wheat, barley, and pulses). Other variety testing investigations may include oil crops and others crops with potential in the environments around CARC based on farmer need and interest. This program should be developed in collaboration with plant breeding faculty located on the main campus in Bozeman, colleagues directing crop variety testing at other research centers, and others in public and private industry, as appropriate.
The incumbent is expected to provide educational leadership on crop variety selection to farmers and other stakeholders in central Montana. This should include directing and assisting in presentations, hosting and contributing to field tours, giving training sessions, and other events as appropriate to assist farmers in crop variety selection. The incumbent is expected to work with Extension educators (i.e., agents and specialists) in planning some of these events, along with other faculty at CARC , at other research centers, and on the main campus in Bozeman.
The incumbent is expected to cooperate with all programs at CARC and with other public-sector scientists, extension personnel, farmers, private industry, advisory groups, and commodity organizations to develop research and education priorities associated with this position. Expectations of scholarship outputs include publications in reviewed materials (e.g., Extension bulletins) and technical reports, with additional expectations of co-authoring papers published in refereed journals. Expectations of educational output includes the publication of popular press materials and the teaching of discipline-related topics to accommodate stakeholder demand. Securing extramural funds from state, regional, and national sources, including the agricultural industry, in support of this position is expected.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
MS in crop science, agronomy, or some other plant-related discipline, at time of hire.
Experience conducting crop variety testing or breeding trials.
Demonstrated experience in planning, designing, implementing and managing agronomic field research.
Documented experience in the operation of field research equipment such as seeders, tractors and plot combines.
Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and to provide leadership from planning through delivery stages of a project.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Experience interacting and exchanging knowledge with agricultural groups (farmers, extension educators, CCAs, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience conducting research and/or doing outreach in semi-arid regions.
Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Demonstrated potential in writing grant proposals and securing external funding.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to interact across academic disciplines and diverse cultures, and to promote an inclusive work environment.
The Successful Candidate Will
Be an engaging scientist and educator who will:
Help the department and university provide outstanding teaching, scholarship, engagement and service in meeting the goals of the university’s strategic plan.
Have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, professional and technical staff, students, and stakeholders.
Demonstrate a commitment to integrating and understanding the experiences of underrepresented groups into research, teaching, engagement, and service.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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
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 June 27, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
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.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html