Research Specialist (McMullen)

Position Information

Position Description:

A full-time Research Specialist position is available in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The successful candidate will work with a large oat breeding program and will assist the project leader to develop, establish, manage, and complete field and greenhouse research. The candidate will:

• Become proficient in crossing oats and develop skills in greenhouse disease evaluation.
• Be active in collecting, managing and analyzing field, laboratory and greenhouse data.
• Be responsible for maintaining pure seed stocks and accurate pedigree records and also is expected to be active in oat breeding activities in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field. Field work includes tillage, planting, general crop production, plot establishment, pesticide application, data collection, harvest, and record keeping.
• Operate, maintain, and repair field and laboratory equipment.

The position will supervise students and help train graduate students, collaborate with industry representatives and present findings, and work collegially with other research leaders and research specialists.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned B.S. degree or the equivalent in Agronomy/Plant Sciences/Crop Production or related field or equivalent experience
• Working experience in operating, maintaining, and repairing field plot equipment
• Basic computer competence in the use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well with others and effective supervisory skills
• Valid U.S. driver's license
• ND Certified Pesticide Applicators License or ability to be certified

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in Crop Science, Breeding/Genetics, or related field
• Experience conducting small plot and greenhouse research
• Competence in the use of SAS software

Advertised Salary: $42,000 +

Physical Demands:

• Operate and transport small- to mid-sized agricultural equipment
• Lift/carry up to 50 pounds
• Work outside in various weather, occasionally challenging conditions
• Work longer hours when seasonally necessary
• Occasional overnight trips possible

Applicant Materials Required:

Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae; 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

We provide transformational education, create knowledge through innovative research, and share knowledge through community engagement that meets the needs of North Dakota and the world.

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.