Research Associate – Plant Pathology (Sidney, MT)

Montana State University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Bozeman, MONTANA
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24225
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Frankie Crutcher
[email protected]
406-433-2208
Classification Title Research Professional
Working Title Research Associate – Plant Pathology (Sidney, MT)
Brief Position Overview
This position will be under the supervision of the Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at the Eastern Ag Research Center in Sidney, MT. The person in this position will lead in the design, establishment, maintenance, and publication of applied and basic research studies.
Position Number 4C0440
Department AES EARC
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 $45,000 - $52,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open

Position Details


General Statement
The Plant Pathology team at the Montana State University Eastern Ag Research Center in Sidney, MT is seeking a motivated individual to coordinate and conduct research associated with diseases of pulse crops (peas, lentils, and chickpeas). This position provides opportunities to attend both in- and out-of-state meetings as well as interact with farmers and industry. The EARC contains spacious facilities including a dedicated laboratory and greenhouse space. There are many opportunities for mentorship in research and grant writing. Low rent family housing may be available for this position.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Design plant pathology research experiments, collect and analyze data.
  • Develop new protocols.
  • Write reports and manuscripts for publication.
  • Mentor graduate students and staff.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • M.S. in plant pathology, plant science, or a closely related discipline
  • Expertise in plant pathology and molecular biology methods including growth and maintenance of fungal pathogens, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and qPCR.
  • Experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
  • Expertise with statistical software and Microsoft office suite.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including publication record of peer-reviewed journal articles and/or outreach materials commensurate with training and experience.
    		•
    Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • Ph.D. in plant pathology, plant science, or a closely related discipline.
  • Field research experience consisting of field plot design, planting and harvesting of experimental plots, and grain cleaning and processing.
  • Experience with plant pathogen isolation and identification.
  • Hands-on experience operating a backpack sprayer and applying experimental fungicides.
    		•
    The Successful Candidate Will
    • Consistently produce written articles for publication
    • Lead and work successfully with a diverse group of people.
    • Consistently exercise initiative and good judgement.
    • Have effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
    • Have time management skills and be detail oriented.
    • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers.
    • Be able to represent the research centers and its program in a professional and courteous manner.
    Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
    • Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 3-months of hire as in-state travel will be required.
    • Must possess a Montana Pesticide Applicator’s License, or be eligible and able to obtain one within 3 months of the date of hire.
    • Occasional work and instate travel outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate may be required.
    • Continuation of employment is contingent upon performance and availability of funding.
    • Preferred start date is prior to May 1st, 2024.


    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
    • Must be able to lift 40 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
    • Must be able to walk and stand in rough terrain for long periods of time.
    • Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of adverse weather conditions.
    • Must be able to work in dusty environments; requires the ability to wear a respirator or related safety 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

    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 6, 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

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