Research Associate - Horticulture

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 26269

Position Number: 4C4546

Division:
College of Agriculture/MAES

Research Professional

Fiscal Year

Exempt

Exempt from Collective Bargaining

1.0

Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

LOA

Open

Research in the Luby Lab involves horticultural research, teaching, and outreach to support more people working with more plants in more places through decentralized participatory plant breeding and diversified horticultural production systems research to improve sustainability, and to ensure growers succeed particularly in harsh climates like Montana.

The candidate will provide leadership and essential support across all aspects of the research program, assist with outreach projects, and collaborate with other faculty, professionals, and growers. The research associate is expected to coordinate activities with the Principal Investigator and achieve the program’s objectives with minimal supervision.

• Work closely with the PI and provide leadership on topics related to the research and outreach programs.
• Assist in the design and implementation of field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies focused on horticulture and plant breeding.
• Design and carry out experiments exercising discretion and judgement with minimal supervision.
• Supervise, and delegate tasks to student workers.
• Cooperate with other research and educational programs and horticulture farm management and staff for efficient and harmonious use of shared resources and facilities.
• Contribute to analysis, publication, and outreach materials in support of research grant objectives and outcomes.
• In-state travel may be required.

Daily tasks may include, but are not limited to: conducting experiments in the lab, field, and greenhouse, organizing the laboratory/greenhouse/farm supplies, ordering supplies, analyzing data, managing student workers, preparing outreach materials, and providing support for the preparation of publications and presentations.

• Master’s degree in Horticulture/Agronomy/Biology or closely related field. Or a Bachelor’s degree + 3 years of professional experience.
• Research experience in horticulture, plant breeding, agriculture or closely related field.
• Experience growing and maintaining plants in field and greenhouse facilities.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office package, R, webpage design.
• Experience with data collection and analysis.
• Experience with writing, including peer reviewed manuscripts and oral communication.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct field and greenhouse trials.
• Demonstrated experience supervising graduate, undergraduate students, and/or temporary workers.
• Experience with the operation, maintenance, and organization of laboratory equipment and supplies.

• Work collaboratively and independently and have the ability to interact with lab workers, external collaborators/stakeholders, and students in a professional, positive manner.
• Have the ability to maintain a well-organized physical workspace.
• Have the ability to keep a regular work schedule.
• Be detail-oriented, proactive, and curious in carrying out work assignments.
• Support the PI with peer-reviewed publications.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
• During the growing season, work hours may be more than 8 hours/day.
• Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties,…