Research Associate - Cropping System * Havre, MT

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26153

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Brief Position Overview

The Cropping Systems Lab at Montana State University’s Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) is seeking a motivated and focused individual to support its Cropping Systems Research Program. The successful candidate will contribute to the establishment and development of field trials focused on crop diversification, soil health, and sustainable crop production in northcentral Montana. This role involves fieldwork, data collection, and equipment operation, as well as responsibilities in data management and supervising seasonal staff.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agronomy, crop science, or a related field; enjoy hands‑on fieldwork in variable weather conditions; and be eager to work collaboratively with researchers, producers, and stakeholders to develop resilient cropping systems for Montana’s agricultural communities.

Position Number

Position Number 4C0164

Department

Department AES NARC

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type 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

General Statement

Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) is located seven miles southwest of Havre, MT, and is an integral part of Montana State University. NARC is one of the seven Research Centers comprising the Department of Research Centers. Researchers at NARC conduct agricultural field and greenhouse studies, interact with farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, industry, and the MSU Cooperative Extension Service.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement studies that support the Cropping Systems Research Program.
• Lead the establishment of field and greenhouse studies in collaboration with PI.
• Develop protocols, collect and analyze research data to meet project objectives.
• Work independently and ability to make research decisions in the absence of PI.
• Supervise and train part‑time employees and student interns.
• Interact effectively with researchers, producers, and agricultural industry partners.
• Disseminate research findings through outreach activities, including workshops, field days, and publications.
• In‑state travel is required for research, and occasional out‑of‑state travel for meetings may be required.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree in agronomy or Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience conducting field research in agronomic crops, including plot maintenance and harvesting.
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining field research equipment used for trial establishment and data collection.
• Skilled in collecting and recording research data and managing datasets for statistical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Proven experience with small grain and alternative crop production systems in semi‑arid regions like the Northern Great Plains.
• Understanding experimental design and data interpretation tools such as SAS, R, or other statistical software packages.
• Experience operating and maintaining field and laboratory research equipment.
• Experience in public engagement and presenting research data at field day demonstrations or farmer meetings.
• Interest in supporting greenhouse research that complements field studies related to local agricultural needs.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have excellent organizational skills.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Follow instructions carefully, manage time effectively, and balance multiple responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with co‑workers, faculty, staff, and producers.

Positi…