Research Assistant

Research Assistant I

This research assistant position will be under the supervision of Plant Pathology at the Eastern Ag Research Center in Sidney, MT. The person in this position will assist in the design, establishment, and maintenance of applied and basic research studies.

This position provides technical support to the Plant Pathology Program at the Eastern Ag Research Center in Sidney, MT.

Assist in the design, establishment, and maintenance of field studies, including the application of pesticide treatments, data collection, and other tasks as needed. Operate field machinery including farm vehicles, tractors, and sprayers. Will occasionally need to move equipment on trailers. Assist with lab experiments when needed including greenhouse experiments and inoculum preparation. Organize data files and generate yearly reports. Supervise summer student workers, student interns, and graduate students.

Provide periodic support for other research projects at the center as well as collaborate with the agronomy program when needed.

High school diploma. Experience in plant pathology research field maintenance including fertilization and pest management, planting and harvesting of experimental plots, and procedures and practices associated with grain cleaning, processing, and seed treatment application. Experience in soil sampling and processing. Experience with multiple computer programs including the Microsoft office suite.

Experience with plant pathology, plant science or a closely related research area. Experience with experimental design, data collection and analysis in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings. Experience in small plot farm equipment operation. Experience in applying pesticides and is currently a licensed pesticide applicator. Experience with welding and small equipment repair.

Work successfully with a wide-range of people. Prioritize workplace safety at all times. Have the ability to consistently exercise initiative and good judgement. Have effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Have time management skills and be detail oriented. Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers. Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and others in a team-oriented environment.

Be able to represent the research centers and its program in a professional and courteous manner.

Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 3 months of hire as in-state travel will be required. Must possess a Montana Pesticide Applicator's License, or be eligible and able to obtain one within 3 months of the date of hire and obtain a boiler operator's license through the Montana Department of Agriculture within 1 year of hire.

Will occasionally require after hours or overnight travel to research locations and scientific meetings. Occasional work and in-state travel outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate may be required. Continuation of employment is contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Must be able to enter, exit, and operate numerous types of farm equipment; requires working around loud, heavy equipment, and occasionally working at elevated positions (grain bins, roofs). Must be able to move up to 40 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to walk and stand in rough terrain for long periods of time. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of adverse weather conditions.

Must be able to work with and around pesticides, other plant materials and in dusty environments; requires the ability to wear a respirator or related safety equipment.

Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on June 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

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.

Required Documents