Research Associate

Candidates are sought for the position of Research Associate in the Pulse Crop Breeding Program in the Department of Plant Science and Plant Pathology at Montana State University. Research in the Pulse Crop Breeding Program involves developing new varieties of pea, lentil and chickpea for Montana production regions.

This program is new to MSU and will be establishing genetic populations with desired agronomic, seed quality and disease resistance characteristics. Breeding methods used are conventional and involve greenhouse, field and alternative season locations during the winter months. Collaborations with plant pathologists and other professionals allow identification of disease resistant genotypes and those with good agronomic adaptation. The Research Associate will be expected to coordinate activities with the Principal Investigator and accomplish the objectives of the program with minimal supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

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.
Daily tasks may include, but are not limited to: maintain equipment, conduct experiments, organize laboratory and catalog laboratory equipment, order supplies, analyze data from field and greenhouse experiments using various computer programs, and provide support for the preparation of publications and presentations.
Prepare annual reports summarizing data collected during the year.

Required Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

B.S. in agronomy or closely related field.
Working knowledge of plant breeding methodology.
Demonstrated ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on plot scale equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

M.S. in agronomy or related field.
Experience with production of pulse crops in Montana.
Experience growing and maintaining plants in greenhouse facilities.
Knowledge of Montana cropping systems.
Demonstrated experience supervising undergraduate students.
Experience using Agrobase Gen II or Genovix.
Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.

The Successful Candidate Will

Have the ability to interact with lab workers, external collaborators/stakeholders, and students in a professional, positive manner.
Have the ability to organize and maintain a well organized physical workspace.
Have the ability to keep a regular work schedule.
Be detail oriented.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability

This position will require seasonal travel to research centers across Montana to plant, maintain, and harvest research plots and therefore requires a valid driver's license.
During planting and harvest, work hours may be more than 8 hours/day.
Must possess or have the the ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license within six months of hire date.

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.
With or without reasonable accommodation the person in this position must be able to safely operate research plot scale tractors, planters and combines as well as other stationary equipment.

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