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

Research Associate – Cropping Systems & Nutrient Management (Conrad, MT)

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

The Agronomy Lab led by Dr. John Cardoso at Western Triangle Agriculture 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.

Salary range: $39,000 to $46,000 per year, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

• 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.
• Manage research data, including data entry, organization, quality control, visualization, and preliminary statistical analyses, and assist with advanced data analysis and interpretation in collaboration with the principal investigator.
• Work independently and exercise problem‑solving skills to ensure continuity of research activities when the principal investigator is unavailable.
• Supervise, train, and coordinate the work of part‑time employees and student interns.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, extension publications, grant‑related deliverables, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
• Assist with maintaining research equipment, tools, and laboratory facilities, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational procedures.
• Coordinate research activities with Extension personnel, collaborating scientists, technicians, students, and external partners, and participate in outreach activities including field days, producer meetings, conferences, and presentations as needed.
• Travel within the state to support research activities, with occasional out‑of‑state travel for meetings, conferences, and professional development.
• Perform other research‑related duties as needed to support WTARC’s Agronomy Program objectives and timelines.

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Nutrient Management, Plant Physiology, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and strong research experience (3+ years) may also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience conducting field and greenhouse agronomic tasks, including pre‑planting soil…