Research Associate

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 23175

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Suchismita Mondal [email protected]

Classification Title Research Professional Working Title Research Associate 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 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

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

Genotypic and/or 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 9. Write reports and publications

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

M.S. degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Breeding, or related field. Candidates with B.S degree and a few years of experience in a breeding program, agronomy or related field will be considered.

Experience with agricultural research including field small plot research, greenhouse management, experiment randomization, seed preparation, planting, field book generation, plot management, data collection, harvest, and sample processing

Experience with MS word, MS Excel, statistical software, and data management.

Demonstrated experience hiring and supervising employees, including student employees and/or temporary labor

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Effective communication skills to disseminate research information to diverse audiences

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 Have the ability to accurately and efficiently summarize data and write reports, extension publications, potentially contribute to scientific publications

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends, when research protocols dictate

Must be able to drive a pick-up truck while towing trailers or farm implements

Must be able to safely enter, exit and operate numerous types of farms and research scale machinery unassisted

Must be able to safely and effectively use seed cleaning and seed processing machinery

Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver's license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points) as travel will be required.

Work in inclement weather – hot or cold and work more than 40 hours per week as needed during planting and harvesting.

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 objects up to 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.

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 February 15, 2023; 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

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume OR Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ().