Research Assistant III

Position Details
Position Information

Announcement Number	STAFF - VA - 24271
For questions regarding this position, please contact:	Dorie Seymour 406-994-5718 [email protected]
Classification Title	Research Asst III
Working Title	Research Assistant III
Brief Position Overview	The Felton lab at Montana State University seeks a Research Assistant to support and lead research pertaining to dryland ecology and climate change. The position will involve the analysis of large datasets derived from remote sensing as well as conducting field work. The position will include both leading research project and supporting existing research projects.
Position Number	4M1816
Department	Land Resources & Environ Sci
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	FOCUS-MFPE
FTE	1.0
Benefits Eligible	Eligible
Salary	$18.59 - $23.23 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type	Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type	Open

Position Details

General Statement	The Felton lab focuses on plant and ecosystem dynamics in drylands. The goal of the lab is to generate new knowledge about how projected increases in climate variability and extremes will impact the functioning and services of terrestrial ecosystems.
Duties and Responsibilities	The employee will be assigned to make important contributions to research projects in the Felton Lab at Montana State University, effectively taking the lead on the data acquisition, wrangling, and analyses of these projects. In the first project, the employee will be using geospatial datasets of net primary productivity and weather to understand the sensitivity of western US ecosystems to climate change. In the second project, the employee will analyze historical datasets of plant biodiversity dynamics during the dustbowl. The expectation is that both projects will be developed into manuscript and submitted to a scientific journal. Attendance and presentation of research results at national conferences may also be expected.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	Bachelor’s degree and interest in conducting ecological research.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field with strong writing and quantitative skills. These skills should include computer coding in R or Python and statistical and geospatial analysis. Familiarity and experience with conducting fieldwork in dryland ecosystems and working with remote sensing datasets.
The Successful Candidate Will	Ability to process and analyze large datasets using computer coding, which will include extending periods of sitting.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information	Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability. 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 conduct fieldwork which may involve extended periods outside Be able to lift ~30 pounds of weight. 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 March 11, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions	Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability
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