Research Associate Malt Quality Lab

This is a full‑time professional position as a Research Associate for the Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab, part of the Barley Breeding research project mary duties are to aid in the daily measurement of malt quality for the Breeding Program, stakeholders, and student projects. The lab plays a critical role for the malting and brewing/distilling industries, directly providing data to farmers, maltsters, and beverage producers.

The position, under the advisement of the lead PI, also manages and conducts genetic research efforts for the program. The successful applicant will integrate into a fast‑paced team environment and demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.

• Sample organization and preparation.
• Quality testing analysis, including operation of equipment such as NIR analyzer, CLP malters, Buhler disk mill, Pfeuffer friabilimeter, IEC mash bath, Anton Paar densitometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and Fisher Scientific Galaxy analyzer.
• Data collection, organization, maintenance, analysis, and reporting, including upkeep of quality control logs.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and maintenance.

• Oversee genotyping.
• Aid in greenhouse, field, and seed preparation when necessary.
• Support research, including project development and novel idea generation as well as supervising and empowering undergraduate and graduate research projects.
• Contribute to and submit research publications.
• Uphold lab safety protocols.
• Interact with the public through lab tours and present findings at industry meetings and conferences.

• Master’s in plant science, molecular genetics, food or malt quality analysis or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience generating and managing data.
• Experience with genetic markers.
• Laboratory research experience.

• Agricultural experience.
• Experience in malt quality and/or food quality analysis.
• Experience managing a greenhouse.

• Attention to detail.
• Works independently and collaboratively with co‑workers.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Organizational and time‑management skills.
• Flexibility adapting to evolving lab needs.
• Follows food safety and cleanliness requirements.
• Follows all university rules and policies.
• Experience requiring organizational skills.

Position is Monday‑Friday, 9 am‑5 pm with flexible scheduling to meet team needs and occasional brief weekend tasks. Physical demands include working with grain and dust; the lab maintains a high level of cleanliness.

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.