Research Assistant II

Put your laboratory skills to work improving the wheat and pulse crops grown across Montana. The Research Assistant II conducts grain and end-use quality testing, from milling to bread and noodle evaluation, that helps Montana State University breeders identify the best new varieties for Montana producers. This is a full-time, hands-on laboratory position that requires standing for long hours.

Position Number 4M0322

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term Fiscal Year

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Non-Exempt

Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE

FTE 1.0

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Join the Cereal Quality Laboratory ( CQL ) in Montana State University’s Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology and help develop the next generation of wheat, barley, and pulse varieties. The laboratory evaluates grain composition, seed quality, and end-use performance. It connects plant breeding with the qualities that matter most to growers, processors, and consumers.

In this role, you will gain practical, marketable skills in grain quality analysis, wheat milling, and bread and noodle testing. You will work alongside plant breeders, researchers, field technicians, graduate students, and student employees, and you will train and lead a team of student workers. Your data will directly guide which varieties advance in breeding programs and will support Montana-grown crops in existing and emerging markets.

The position offers stable, full-time employment at a leading land-grant university, on-the-job training in specialized laboratory methods, and the opportunity to share the laboratory’s work with farmers, students, and community visitors. Bozeman offers outstanding access to mountains, rivers, and year-round outdoor recreation.

We seek a detail-oriented, motivated individual who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, is eager to learn new techniques, and wants to contribute to improving the quality of wheat and pulse crops.

Under the supervision of Cereal Quality Lab Manager Prashant Kumar, the Research Assistant II will perform the following duties:

• Receive, catalog, and clean incoming grain samples from breeding programs;
• Measure and report whole seed composition;
• Measure milling yield and flour properties;
• Evaluate bread and noodle quality through test baking and end-use testing;
• Conduct quality tests for department researchers and graduate students;
• Stand for long hours while performing repetitive laboratory tasks that require frequent use of hands and fingers, including handling grain samples, weighing, pipetting, operating laboratory equipment, and preparing samples for analysis;
• Train, supervise, and direct the daily laboratory work of student employees;
• Lead tours of the Cereal Quality Laboratory for visitors, including children, farmers, college classes, professors, and legislators;
• Maintain a clean work area;
• Clean glassware and perform general maintenance of laboratory equipment;
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Two years post-secondary education or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Demonstrated competence utilizing computer equipment and computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, etc.

• Degree in biology, plant science, botany or related field.
• Agricultural research experience.
• Working knowledge of grain quality standards.

• Have an interest in crop improvement and the quality of wheat, barley, and pulse crops.
• Be eager to learn laboratory methods and develop proficiency in grain and end-use quality testing.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Prioritize workplace safety and consistently exercise initiative and sound judgment.
• Be self-motivated, organized, and able to manage priorities and complete