Montana State University
Bozeman

Professional Position
Vacancy Announcement


Research Associate
Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology

Search Number    

6244-3

 

Starting Date

As soon as possible.

 

Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

 

Duties and
Responsibilities

This individual selected will implement all phases of barley production, harvest, processing, nursery preparation data analysis and summarization in collaboration with the barley breeder.  Responsibilities include:  managing barley nursery setup, production, harvest and grain processing for the barley breeding program located at the A.H.  Post Farm; setting up nurseries and experimental field trials for the MAES barley improvement program and analyzing experimental datasets and producing the barley improvement annual report.  In addition, this position will collaborate with the farm manager to manage on-farm weed management, irrigation, fertility management and seed management.  The Research Associate may hire and will directly supervise undergraduate assistants in performing quality field experiments. The research associate performs all duties needed to manage the barley nurseries at the MSU research farm, including operating tractors and combines, spraying fields with herbicides, irrigating fields including moving pipe and maintaining equipment.   Travel to research centers in Montana and to research meetings outside Montana will be required. 

 

Required
Qualifications

1.    

Bachelors of Science in Agronomy or a related field.

 

 

2.

A strong working background in crop production.

 

 

3.

 

4.

 

Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Word and Excel software.  

 

Currently possess, or ability to obtain, a Herbicide Applicator License
within one year of hire. 

 

Preferred
Qualifications

1.

 

2. 

 

3.   

Knowledge of basic statistical analysis techniques related to crop production.  

 

Interest in obtaining a graduate degree while in this position.

 

Interest in plant breeding and genetics.

 

 

The Successful
Candidate Will

have excellent organizational and technical skills and exhibit the enthusiasm necessary to maintain a productive field research environment.  Candidate must possess the ability, with or without accommodations, to move pipe and lift tubs of seed (approx. 70 pounds) is necessary. 

 

Application
Procedure

Screening of applications will begin May 21, 2006 and continue until the position is filled. To apply, applicants should submit: (1) a letter of application that addresses the required and preferred qualifications listed above; (2) Curriculum vitae and (3) the names, addresses, phone and e-mail addresses of three professional references. Electronic copies will be accepted in PDF format but must be followed with a signed letter of application. Submit materials to:

Tom Blake, PhD

Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology

109 Ag Biosciences Bldg.

Bozeman, MT 59717

Ph: 406 994 5055

Email: blake@montana.edu

ADA/EO/AA/VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: 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. MSU makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. To claim veteran's preference or request accommodation, contact Human Resources/Affirmative Action, Hamilton Hall, MSU, Bozeman MT 59717-2430; 406-994-2042. MSU’s Affirmative Action Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures are on the Web at www2.montana.edu/policy/affirmative_action/.