Research Specialist
North Dakota State University
Williston, ND
Full-time
Research & Development
Posted on March 26, 2025
Description & Details: Assists an Agronomy Research Scientist in all aspects of integrated agronomic research. This research includes, but is not limited to:
This role is responsible for field and lab work.
• Lead in the writing/design of grant and project work (including proposed objective and methodology of projects).
• Lead in budgetary/financial oversight of projects in collaboration with WREC Scientists and Center Director.
• Perform literature review.
• Seek extramural fundings.
• Conduct experiment.
• Analyze data.
• Write report.
Work Schedule: Normally a 40-hour week schedule. This can differ as needs arise during planting, harvesting, field operations, and events throughout the year.
Advertised Salary: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.
Minimum Qualifications: Master's Degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field (such as Biology, Environmental Science) with 2 years of relatable experience
North Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain one.
A valid U.S. driver's license or ability to obtain one.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience collaborating in related efforts at a Research Extension Center.
Core Competencies:
Experience collecting data, evaluating experiments for results - especially in field plot research or farm and farm machinery.
Computer literacy.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with others.
Ability to pass a criminal background screening.
Familiarity with ND field crops preferred.
Machinery (Tractor, planter, plot combine, fork lift, mower, tiller, chemical application equipment, etc.) operation, maintenance and repair experience is preferred.
Laboratory experience such as collecting, processing, and analyzing crop for quality and yield components and soil for chemical / physical properties preferred.
Experience writing and publishing research reports preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Proficient use of MS Office and knowledge of using statistical software preferred.
Applicant Materials Required:
A letter of interest.
At least three (3) references.
A Resume or CV.
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 evaluation of intercropping systems and new crop species,
- identification of efficient crop production techniques, and
- assessing the use of precision agriculture technologies.
This role is responsible for field and lab work.
- Design and plan field plot experiments and nurseries: Obtain seed for experiments, assist in maintaining seed inventory, determine germination percentage and seed rate, and package seeds for planting. Design field books, prepare field tags, stakes and harvest tags.
- Implement field plot experiments: Plant, maintain, and harvest field experiments. Planting includes use of different kind of seeders. Maintaining includes control of insect, disease and weed challenges manually or chemically, mowing and tilling alleys, and other appropriate crop production activities. Harvesting includes both hand harvesting and combining.
- Collect data on diseases, heading date, physiology, plant height, lodging, and other important aspects of crops grown in agronomic trials.
- Collect plant and soil samples.
- Fly drones to collect aerial imageries.
- Process harvested products and record data on yield, yield components, test weight, and grain quality.
- Prepare and analyze or submit soil and plant samples to the appropriate laboratories for analyses.
- Process and analyze data, write and disseminate project outcomes.
- Maintain a daily log of activities associated with research experiments.
- Coordinate with other WREC staff for planning field and laboratory activities.
- Supervise seasonal labor as needed.
- Perform tasks that will benefit the Williston Research Extension Center.
- Duties will be performed under general guidelines provided by the supervisor but require the use of incumbent's judgement in prioritizing activities and selecting appropriate methods to complete tasks efficiently and safely.
- Manage NDSU - WREC research assets so they are productive and used appropriately.
- Guide and influence staff toward the ideals of NDSU and the WREC.
- Collaborate with NDSU - WREC director and colleagues to hire, train, retain, and encourage positive staff to grow the effectiveness of WREC and service functions striving toward the mission of NDSU and the WREC.
- Lead in the writing/design of grant and project work (including proposed objective and methodology of projects).
- Lead in budgetary/financial oversight of projects in collaboration with WREC Scientists and Center Director.
- Perform literature review.
- Seek extramural fundings.
- Conduct experiment.
- Analyze data.
- Write report.
- Lead in the writing/design of grant and project work (including proposed objective and methodology of projects).
- Lead in budgetary/financial oversight of projects in collaboration with WREC Scientists and Center Director.
- Perform literature review.
- Seek extramural fundings.
- Conduct experiment.
- Analyze data.
- Write report.
• Lead in the writing/design of grant and project work (including proposed objective and methodology of projects).
• Lead in budgetary/financial oversight of projects in collaboration with WREC Scientists and Center Director.
• Perform literature review.
• Seek extramural fundings.
• Conduct experiment.
• Analyze data.
• Write report.
Work Schedule: Normally a 40-hour week schedule. This can differ as needs arise during planting, harvesting, field operations, and events throughout the year.
Advertised Salary: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.
Minimum Qualifications: Master's Degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field (such as Biology, Environmental Science) with 2 years of relatable experience
North Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain one.
A valid U.S. driver's license or ability to obtain one.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience collaborating in related efforts at a Research Extension Center.
Core Competencies:
Experience collecting data, evaluating experiments for results - especially in field plot research or farm and farm machinery.
Computer literacy.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with others.
Ability to pass a criminal background screening.
Familiarity with ND field crops preferred.
Machinery (Tractor, planter, plot combine, fork lift, mower, tiller, chemical application equipment, etc.) operation, maintenance and repair experience is preferred.
Laboratory experience such as collecting, processing, and analyzing crop for quality and yield components and soil for chemical / physical properties preferred.
Experience writing and publishing research reports preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Proficient use of MS Office and knowledge of using statistical software preferred.
Applicant Materials Required:
A letter of interest.
At least three (3) references.
A Resume or CV.
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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