Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26436
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Jamie Sherman
jsherman@montana.edu
406-994-5055
Classification Title Research Professional
Working Title Barley Seed Lab and Field Technician
Brief Position Overview
This is a full-time professional position as a Research Associate for the MSU Barley Breeding research project. Primary duties will be supervising field and greenhouse research to support the barley breeding project, as well as research and student projects. Other research duties dependent on applicant's interest.
Position Number 4C3045
Department Plant Sciences
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Research Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary range of $45,000 - $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
This is a full-time professional position as a Research Associate for the MSU Barley Breeding research project. Primary duties will be supervising field and greenhouse research to support the barley breeding project, as well as research and student projects. Other research duties dependent on applicant's interest. The successful applicant will be responsible for collecting and tabulating data from breeding trials and research projects and aid in production of annual summary publications, other reports and papers. The position will entail significant interaction with colleagues around Montana, the country and the world.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in the planning, design and implementation of field research projects.
Specific field duties will include aiding in planting, maintaining plots (including fertility and pest management), sample collection, data collection and curation, harvest.
Specific duties for setting up trials include testing germination, treating seed, organizing and shipping out trials, post-season processing and data collection.
Maintain the germplasm seed collection.
Oversee student and seasonal employees.
Operate field and processing equipment
Maintain plot and laboratory equipment and supplies
Manage breeding greenhouse, including planting, fertility, pest scouting, watering, harvesting and processing breeding materials.
Establish, maintain and ensure compliance to safety standards.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Agricultural field experience
Demonstrated ability to operate, calibrate and maintain tractors, sprayers, planters, harvesters, and seed cleaners.
Experience with field fertility, weed and pest management.
Experience in collecting and recording field data.
Experience in the safe operation of farm scale and/or plot scale equipment.
Proven attention to detail.
Proven organizational and time management skills.
Experience in successfully supervising personnel.
Willingness to be part of a larger team. Experience with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Suite.
Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Department of Agriculture Government Pesticide Applicators License with demonstration and research, agricultural plant pest control, and seed treatment classifications within six months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience in managing a greenhouse
Demonstrated ability to plan, design and implement field research including field plot layout and establishment; plot maintenance including fertilization, irrigation, weed and pest management, and precision harvesting of experimental plots.
Master's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science or related field.
Experience with dryland crops and related cropping systems common to the Northern Great Plains of the United States.
Experience in data analysis
Grant, scientific paper and/or popular press report writing experience.
Experience and licenses to fly unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV ).
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will have effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, time management skills, will be detail oriented, follow all University rules and policies, will have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers and will positively represent the program and the University to all stakeholders.
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 have or be able to obtain a valid State of Montana driver's license as travel will be required.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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 and maneuver 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
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on June 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
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.
