Research Specialist - (Hulke/Johnson)
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND
Full-time
Research & Development
Posted on April 15, 2025
Description & Details:
The Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, in collaboration with USDA-Agricultural Research Service, is seeking a research specialist to support development of improved sunflower and new crop varieties and germplasm to stakeholders in North Dakota and the Northern Plains. The Research Specialist will assist in daily activities of breeding and agronomy research, including planting, maintenance, and harvest of field and greenhouse experiments, maintenance of breeding nurseries, hybridization and self-pollination of breeding lines, and communicating results. Work will also include management of undergraduate or graduate assistants in technical matters. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to this role, as the incumbent is expected to have direct communication with internal and external personnel, including the public.
Duties will be performed with general guidance and will require coordination with the project leader and other project team members and cooperating research programs/departments.
Advertised Salary:
Based on experience
Minimum Qualifications:
Operate and transport small to large-sized tractors, cultivators, harvesters, and implements, trucks, and trailers. Physically able to perform field research, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Applicant Materials Required:
Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed resume; 3) academic transcripts from universities attended; 4) contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.
NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!
Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran's Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .
The Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, in collaboration with USDA-Agricultural Research Service, is seeking a research specialist to support development of improved sunflower and new crop varieties and germplasm to stakeholders in North Dakota and the Northern Plains. The Research Specialist will assist in daily activities of breeding and agronomy research, including planting, maintenance, and harvest of field and greenhouse experiments, maintenance of breeding nurseries, hybridization and self-pollination of breeding lines, and communicating results. Work will also include management of undergraduate or graduate assistants in technical matters. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to this role, as the incumbent is expected to have direct communication with internal and external personnel, including the public.
Duties will be performed with general guidance and will require coordination with the project leader and other project team members and cooperating research programs/departments.
Advertised Salary:
Based on experience
Minimum Qualifications:
- Earned B.S. degree in Plant Breeding, Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Agronomy, or related fields.
- Minimum 2 years of plant breeding program experience in a hybrid crop species.
- Experience in conducting research in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory.
- Experience with Microsoft Office products.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness and ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions indoors and outdoors for long hours during planting and harvesting.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. - Proven proficiency in written and oral communication in English.
- Proven ability to be innovative and work with colleagues and other individuals across inter-departmental and inter-institutional functions.
- Excellent work ethic, problem solving, organizational and leadership skills, passionate learner, with a desire to be innovative.
- Valid US driver's license.
- Must be comfortable with the handling of some hazardous chemicals.
- Proven experience in teaching and/or stakeholder outreach.
- Proven experience with operating tractors, combination vehicles, and other heavy equipment.
- Proven ability to transport heavy equipment on trailers.
- Certified Pesticide Applicators license.
Operate and transport small to large-sized tractors, cultivators, harvesters, and implements, trucks, and trailers. Physically able to perform field research, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Applicant Materials Required:
Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed resume; 3) academic transcripts from universities attended; 4) contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.
NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!
Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
- Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
- Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
- Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
- Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
- Superb Retirement Plan
- Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
- Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
- Paid Leave - including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
- More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran's Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .
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