NDSU CREC Soil Scientist. Carrington LilyLifestyle

Description & Details

The soil scientist, which is a 100% research appointment, has leadership responsibility for developing, implementing, and reporting outcomes of the soil science research program at the Center. In addition, the scientist will lead the soils research program at CREC and serve within the broader soil health research groups within NDSU. The scientist actively participates in the development and implementation of research projects that address the soil resource and develop applied solutions to regional agricultural concerns.

Research activity will include defining soil fertility regimes for optimum crop nutrition, prevention and mitigation of soil salinity, soil management impacted by residue and tillage systems, and work on other outreach and research efforts related to reducing erosion and depletion of topsoil. The soil scientist is expected to compete successfully for extramural funding to assist in funding the diverse research program.

The successful candidate is expected to coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional and national project leaders on joint research projects appropriate for the Center; analyze and disseminate information from research programs; participate in outreach efforts; interact closely with farmers, extension staff, agribusiness representatives and crop commodity organizations. The soil scientist also has supervisory responsibilities for support staff and reports to the Center Director.

Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with additional hours as necessary.

Commensurate with experience. Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

• A PhD or currently obtaining your PhD in soil science or closely related field.
• Knowledge and experience working with applied research related to soil fertility, salinity, health, conservation, and/or management.
• Documented experience in experimental design and analysis.
• Familiarity with Northern Great Plains cropping systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver information via modern media technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain strong collaborations with other researchers, extension personnel, and stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license.

• Documented collaborations with scientists of other disciplines of agriculture (agronomy, plant pathology, animal science, entomology, precision agriculture, weed science, etc).
• Documented experience in production agriculture across a diversity of crops.
• Operation of plot research and/or farm scale equipment.
• Documented experience in preparing grant proposals and success in securing grant funds.
• Experience in the supervision of staff involved with field research.
• Evidence of positive producer interactions.

• Commodity crop familiarity.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative nature.
• Field management knowledge in Great Plains.

The following benefits are offered to full‑time employees:

• Health & Wellness: 100% employer‑paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage; choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA; coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date; wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation.
• Exceptional Retirement Plan:
  Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to 12.26% depending on position.
• Time Away & Support:
  Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays; employee assistance program for confidential support; supportive work‑life balance.
• Education Benefits:
  Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year); 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents.
• Additional Optional Benefits:
  Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long‑Term Care;
  Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care);
  Supplemental Retirement Plans.

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information,…