Job Description

Research Associate - Cropping System

The Cropping Systems Lab at Montana State University's Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) is seeking a motivated and focused individual to support its Cropping Systems Research Program. The successful candidate will contribute to the establishment and development of field trials focused on crop diversification, soil health, and sustainable crop production in northcentral Montana. This role involves fieldwork, data collection, and equipment operation, as well as responsibilities in data management and supervising seasonal staff. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agronomy, crop science, or a related field; enjoy hands-on fieldwork in variable weather conditions; and be eager to work collaboratively with researchers, producers, and stakeholders to develop resilient cropping systems for Montana's agricultural communities.

Position Number: 4C0164

Department: AES NARC Division: College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type: 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 commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type: LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type: Open

General Statement: Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) is located seven miles southwest of Havre, MT, and is an integral part of Montana State University. NARC is one of the seven Research Centers comprising the Department of Research Centers. Researchers at NARC conduct agricultural field and greenhouse studies, interact with farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, industry, and the MSU Cooperative Extension Service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement studies that support the Cropping Systems Research Program.
• Lead the establishment of field and greenhouse studies in collaboration with PI.
• Develop protocols, collect and analyze research data to meet project objectives.
• Work independently and ability to make research decisions in the absence of PI.
• Supervise and train part-time employees and student interns.
• Interact effectively with researchers, producers, and agricultural industry partners.
• Disseminate research findings through outreach activities, including workshops, field days, and publications.
• In-state travel is required for research, and occasional out-of-state travel for meetings may be required.

Required Qualifications Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills:

• Master's degree in agronomy or Bachelor's degree
• 2 years of professional experience
• Experience conducting field research in agronomic crops, including plot maintenance and harvesting.
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining field research equipment used for trial establishment and data collection.
• Skilled in collecting and recording research data and managing datasets for statistical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills:

• Proven experience with small grain and alternative crop production systems in semi-arid regions like the Northern Great Plains.
• Understanding experimental design and data interpretation tools such as SAS, R, or other statistical software packages.
• Experience operating and maintaining field and laboratory research equipment.
• Experience in public engagement and presenting research data at field day demonstrations or farmer meetings.
• Interest in supporting greenhouse research that complements field studies related to local agricultural needs.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Have excellent organizational skills.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Follow instructions carefully, manage time effectively, and balance multiple responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, faculty, staff, and producers.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information:

• Must be flexible to perform duties beyond regular hours as required by research protocols.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and comply with all state of Montana requirements for operating State/University vehicles. A successful candidate with an out-of-state license must obtain a Montana license within 60 days of their hire date.
• 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.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift 60 pounds.
• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen-bearing plants, herbicides, and pesticides.
• Must be able to walk and stand in rough terrain for extended periods.
• Must be able to safely enter, exit, and operate various types of farm 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
• Open Date: Screening of applications will begin on November 3, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
• Close Date: Applications will be:

Special Instructions: This position is not eligible for 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.

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