Research Specialist (Osorno)

Position Information

Full-time Research Specialist position available in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The successful candidate will assist the dry bean breeder in developing improved varieties for North Dakota and surrounding areas. The candidate will assist with the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments conducted in the field, greenhouse and laboratories in association with the dry bean breeding and genetics program. Responsibilities include identifying, evaluating, and utilizing appropriate procedures to allow successful completion of the experiment; prepare seed for planting early generation material and yield trials; prepare field books and take notes on diseases and agronomic traits; assist in field and greenhouse disease inoculation and screening for resistant germplasm; data analysis using appropriate statistical procedures; assist in field mass selection and making line selections based on data analysis; uploading all phenotype and genotype data to the appropriate databases; maintain pure seed stocks and incorporate pedigree information into the dry bean project's database; summarizing research results, assist in presenting results, and assist in writing subsequent research publications. The candidate will operate, maintain, and repair field and laboratory equipment. Duties also include help/assist in DNA lab activities as well as canning trials; supervising and training students and other personnel; and performing various other duties of a scientific nature. Duties will require coordination with the plant breeder, other members of the research project, and project members of other departments collaborating on dry beans. The candidate is expected to work in a team-oriented fashion and interact with a diverse group of students, interns, postdoctoral research associates, growers, and visitors.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned B.S. degree in agriculture or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in field breeding activities and research including (but not limited to) designing, planning and planting experiments, plot/field maintenance, field data collection, selection decisions, harvest, and statistical analyses, among other activities.
• Working experience in managing and entering data into databases
• Experience in field experimental design and statistical analyses using proper tools and methods.
• Proficient operation and knowledge of farming equipment, especially research farming equipment such as tractors, planters, cultivators, sprayers, and harvesters/combines, among others. In addition, experience in driving full-size pickup trucks with attached trailers, safely loading/unloading equipment from trailers, and routine equipment maintenance as well as minor repairs.
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions during the field growing season (spring, summer, fall).
• Ability to work well and effectively with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented fashion and interact with a diverse group of students, postdoctoral research assistants, research technicians, growers, and visitors, among others.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Ability to obtain a certified pesticide applicator license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned M.S. degree or equivalent in Agronomy/Plant Sciences/Crop production or related field.
• Previous experience working in a breeding program.
• Working experience with dry beans.
• Experience with plant diseases and host genetic resistance.
• Greenhouse management experience.
• Experience in marker-assisted selection.
• Supervisory experience.

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.

Advertised Salary: $45,000 +/year

Applicant Materials Required:

Cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met

Detailed curriculum vitae

Unofficial transcript

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.