Research Associate – Cropping Systems & Nutrient Management *Conrad, MT

Position Information

Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 26296

Position Number: 4C0892

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
John Cardoso
john.cardoso

The Agronomy Lab led by Dr. John Cardoso at Western Triangle Agriculture and Research Center (WTARC) is seeking a motivated Research Associate to support an applied agronomic research program in cropping systems, nutrient management, and plant stress mitigation. The position will support dryland and irrigated field, greenhouse, and laboratory research focused on Montana crops, including wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and alternative crops.

Responsibilities include establishing and maintaining research trials; collecting, processing, and analyzing soil and plant samples; managing and analyzing agronomic and environmental datasets; and contributing to statistical analyses. The Research Associate will also assist with the preparation of technical reports, outreach materials, social media content, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts in collaboration with the principal investigator and project partners. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and P.I. instructions, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively under variable field and laboratory conditions.

The Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center (WTARC) supports agricultural producers in Montana’s Golden Triangle region through applied research and the dissemination of research-based information to the broader public. Dryland cropping systems in the region include winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, barley, oilseeds, and pulses, while more than 300,000 irrigated acres support malt barley, wheat, canola, and perennial forages. Research at WTARC focuses on small‑grain, oilseed, and pulse crop variety evaluation;

crop and soil fertility management; and integrated pest management. Infrastructure at WTARC includes a climate‑controlled greenhouse with supplemental lighting; research laboratories (with plans for a new chemistry and instrumentation laboratory); plant and soil sample processing facilities; and modern plot‑scale research equipment for planting, pest control, and harvesting. The center also features a new lateral‑move irrigation system dedicated to research. WTARC research priorities are guided by an advisory board composed of regional producers and industry representatives.

WTARC is one of seven off‑campus research centers within Montana State University’s Department of Research Centers and consists of approximately 75 acres of rainfed and irrigated cropland. The research center is located approximately 10 miles north of Conrad, Montana (population ~2,800), and 70 miles north of Great Falls (population ~60,000). Glacier National Park is located approximately 1.5 hours from the research center, with numerous additional outdoor recreation opportunities nearby.

• Assist with the planning, establishment, and management of field and greenhouse experiments in cropping systems, nutrient and fertilizer management, and plant stress mitigation for Montana crops.
• Lead field and laboratory activities, including experimental design, plot layout, planting, in‑season management, sample processing and analysis, and harvest operations in dryland and irrigated systems.
• Collect high‑quality agronomic, soil, plant, and environmental data following established protocols and quality control procedures, including development or adaptation of protocols for non‑conventional or novel research studies as needed.
• Operate field and laboratory instrumentation, including gas exchange, environmental monitoring, optical sensing, and analytical equipment (e.g., IRGA, portable meteorological stations, SPAD meters, soil sensors, spectrophotometers, and pH/EC meters).
• Process soil and plant samples and conduct basic soil and plant nutrient analyses, including sample preparation, chemical extractions, instrumental measurements, and quality assurance, with coordination of internal and external analytical laboratories as needed. More complex analysis may be performed as the program advances and more equipment…