Research Specialist (Osorno)

Position Information

Position Description & Details:

The Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University is seeking a research specialist to assist in the dry bean breeding/genetics program. Candidate is expected to participate in all the field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities involved in a breeding program. This includes the planning, organizing, and conducting of experiments under the supervision of the project leader. Tasks may include (but not limited to) seed and field preparation, planting and maintenance of field trials, and disease evaluations), recording, editing, and data analysis using statistical programs, collaborate with some activities in the DNA laboratory and the canning testing, and assisting the program leader in keeping, preparing, and compiling data and research results. The candidate is expected to interact and work as part of a team that includes other research specialists, students and interns, growers, plant breeders, and other scientists. Duties will involve all aspects of a breeding/genetics program so the candidate has a holistic approach and learns all the aspects involved in the functioning of a breeding program.

Advertised Salary: $40,000+/year

This position does not provide sponsorship.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in agronomy, agriculture, horticulture, biology, or related life sciences
• Proficient in operation and knowledge of farm equipment (safely operate 65+ hp tractors, planters, cultivator, sprayers, and harvesters; safely load/transport/unload equipment using heavy-duty pickups and trailers; routine equipment maintenance and minor repairs)
• Computer literacy, especially in recording and statistically analyzing data
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions during the field growing season (spring, summer, fall)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively as a member of a research team
• Excellent work ethic and desire to keep learning/improving
• Must be comfortable with the handling of some hazardous chemicals

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in plant breeding, genetics, plant sciences, agronomy, horticulture, or closely related field
• Experience in scientific research, preferably in legumes and/or common bean breeding, genetics and plant pathological techniques
• Greenhouse management experience
• Experience in canning/processing
• Laboratory experience mainly involving DNA extraction and molecular marker techniques
• Farm background or relevant farming experience in mechanized agriculture
• Supervisory experience

Physical Demands:

Operate and transport small to large-sized tractors, combines, harvesters, and implements, trucks, trailers and plot sprayers. Physically able to perform field research, keeling, lifting up to 50 lbs bags.

Applicant Materials Required:

Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed resume; 3) contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

Land Acknowledgement

We collectively acknowledge that we gather at NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region.

About Us

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures.

NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Employees often attend on-campus cultural events, lectures, athletic events and enjoy walks through our beautiful campus.

NDSU employs over 6000 full-time and part-time employees across the state, making it the second largest employer in the community. NDSU is the best college in ND, according to Money Magazine (September 2018). NDSU was named a 2019 Best Value College by Forbes. Fargo made Livability.com's top 10 list of cities to find a job and ranked at #11 for best places to live overall.

NDSU offers a wide array of professional opportunities including faculty, executive, managerial, professional, technical, paraprofessional, office support, servers and crafts/trades. Like a small city, NDSU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Full time employees are offered a superb benefit package to include 100% company paid health insurance premiums and tuition assistance for employees and immediate family members. All of us at NDSU play an important role in serving our students and public constituencies. We encourage motivated and talented team members that thrive in a higher-ed environment to join our university!

Mission

With energy and momentum, North Dakota State University addresses the needs and aspirations of people in a changing world by building on our land-grant foundation.

Additional Information

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:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.