Research Associate - Horticulture

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Claire Luby
claire.luby

This position will provide leadership and essential support across all aspects of the research program and assist with outreach. There will be the opportunity to develop skills through professional development opportunities, scientific meetings, and writing proposals and manuscripts.

Research in the Luby Lab involves horticultural research, teaching, and outreach to support more people working with more plants in more places through decentralized participatory plant breeding and diversified horticultural production systems research to improve sustainability, and to ensure growers succeed particularly in harsh climates like Montana.

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator and provide leadership on topics related to the research and outreach programs.
• Assist in the design and implementation of field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies focused on horticulture and plant breeding.
• Design and carry out experiments exercising discretion and judgement with minimal supervision.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to student workers.
• Cooperate with other research and educational programs and horticulture farm management and staff for efficient and harmonious use of shared resources and facilities.
• Contribute to analysis, publication, and outreach materials in support of research grant objectives and outcomes.
• In-state travel may be required.

Daily tasks may include, but are not limited to: conducting experiments in the lab, field, and greenhouse, organizing the laboratory/greenhouse/farm supplies, ordering supplies, analyzing data, managing student workers, preparing outreach materials, and providing support for the preparation of publications and presentations.

• Master’s degree in Horticulture/Agronomy/Biology or closely related field; or a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of professional experience.
• Research experience in horticulture, plant breeding, agriculture or closely related field.
• Experience growing and maintaining plants in field and greenhouse facilities.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office package, R, webpage design.
• Experience with data collection and analysis.
• Experience with writing, including peer-reviewed manuscripts and oral communication.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct field and greenhouse trials.
• Demonstrated experience supervising graduate, undergraduate students, and/or temporary workers.
• Experience with the operation, maintenance, and organization of laboratory equipment and supplies.

• Work collaboratively and independently and have the ability to interact with lab workers, external collaborators/stakeholders, and students in a professional, positive manner.
• Have the ability to maintain a well‑organized physical workspace.
• Have the ability to keep a regular work schedule.
• Be detail‑oriented, proactive, and curious in carrying out work assignments.
• Support the PI with peer‑reviewed publications.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. If successful candidate possesses a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.
• During the growing season, work hours may be more than 8 hours per day.
• Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate.

• Be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Be able to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to walk and stand in rough terrain for long periods of time.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Desired
  
  Start Date:
  
  13 February 2026 (Screening will begin 13 February 2026)
• Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
• Special Instructions:
  This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Title:

Research Associate – Horticulture (Research Professional).

Employment Type:

Contract. Duration:
Fiscal Year Semester. Full-Time Equivalency: 1.0.