Research Associate - Field Research Program

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and coordinate field research activities, including plot establishment, maintenance, field evaluations, sampling, and harvest activities.
• Collect, organize, manage, and analyze research data using established protocols.
• Assist with experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of research results.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities, field conditions, and project outcomes.
• Supervise and train research assistants, student employees, and temporary workers.
• Provide mentorship to graduate students.
• Lead in the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
• Operate research equipment, agricultural equipment, and university vehicles as needed.
• Assist with field days, research tours, and other outreach activities.
• Follow university safety policies and maintain a safe working environment.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree in Plant Pathology, Crop Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience conducting hands-on agricultural field research including establishing, maintaining, evaluating, and harvesting research experiments.
• Experience in experimental design as well as collecting, managing, and analyzing scientific data.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and statistical software, including R or similar statistical programs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience evaluating crop diseases or other agronomic traits.
• Demonstrated experience preparing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, or research presentations.
• Experience supervising students, research assistants, or temporary employees.
• Experience operating agricultural equipment and maintaining field research plots.
• Hands-on experience operating a backpack sprayer and applying experimental fungicides.

The Successful Candidate Will

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to safely operate a pickup truck on highways, gravel roads, and agricultural field roads.
• Must obtain a Montana pesticide applicator license within 3 months of hire.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and extended-hour work may be required during planting, field evaluations, and harvest periods.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for research activities, meetings, and conferences.

Physical Demands