Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate, Research Scientist

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Help improve the quality and value of wheat and pulse crops through hands-on laboratory research. The Research Associate conducts grain and end-use quality testing that supports Montana State University breeding programs and helps identify improved varieties for Montana producers.

Position Number

Position Number 4C0089

Department

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Research Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

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

This position offers the opportunity to develop skills in grain quality analysis, wheat milling, and bread and noodle testing while working with plant breeders, researchers, field technicians, graduate students, and student employees. Your work will help breeding programs identify promising varieties, document quality traits, and support opportunities for Montana-grown crops in existing and emerging markets.

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 Laboratory Manager Prashant Kumar, the Research Associate will perform the following duties:

• Receive, catalog, and clean incoming wheat, barley, and pulse samples; maintain accurate sample identification and laboratory records.
• Measure and report whole-seed composition and quality characteristics to support crop improvement research.
• Evaluate wheat milling yield and flour properties, and conduct bread and noodle quality tests.
• Conduct additional laboratory tests for departmental researchers and graduate students.
• Record, organize, and report test results accurately and efficiently.
• Provide daily supervision, training, and assignment of laboratory duties for student employees.
• Lead laboratory tours and explain the role of grain quality testing to growers, students, faculty, legislators, and other visitors.
• Analyze the data and interpret experimental datasets
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas; clean glassware and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Independently manage, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform routine technical checks on specialized laboratory instruments to ensure optimal performance, accuracy, and reliability.
• Updating instrument software and associated analytical programs to ensure optimal performance and data accuracy.
• Represent lab at national and international conferences
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in biology, plant science, botany, related field, or a Bachelor’s and two years of experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers and software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.

• Experience in agricultural research.
• Working knowledge of grain quality standards.
• Experience…