Research Assistant III

Position Overview

The two Research Assistant III positions are located in the Montana State University Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL). The CQL researches the end-use properties of cereal and pulse grains, with emphasis on seed quality for wheat, barley, and pulses. Flour milling, bread, and noodle quality are also measured on wheat samples. The CQL cooperates with plant breeders, field technicians, researchers, and others to ensure that high quality varieties are released to growers and to develop new markets for Montana State wheat, barley, and pulse varieties.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

• Catalog and clean all incoming samples;
• Measure and report whole seed composition;
• Measure milling yield and flour properties;
• Measure bread and noodle quality;
• Conduct various tests for department researchers and graduate students;
• Provide daily supervision, instruction and delegation of laboratory duties to student employees;
• Conduct tours of the Cereal Quality Laboratory to interested parties including children, farmers, college classes, professors, and/or 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 quality standards for grain.
• Supervisory experience.

• Establish and maintain effective working relations with a diverse group of co-workers in a team-oriented environment.
• Possess the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with co-workers.
• Prioritize workplace safety at all times.
• Consistently exercise initiative and good judgement.
• Be self-motivated and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Possess effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrate organizational and time management skills.
• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail.
• Communicate information, procedures, and directions clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrate competence in maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Professionally represent the Cereal Quality Lab / MSU and its programs to others in a professional and courteous manner.

• Duties are accomplished while standing for several hours at a time.
• Ability to effectively work with plant materials in a dusty and noisy environment while wearing appropriate safety equipment.
• Ability to maneuver incoming samples weighing up to 50 pounds.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any 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.