What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate - Field Research Program position at Montana State University?
This position provides scientific support for diverse applied agricultural research projects conducted by the Plant Pathology Program at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center. The Research Associate will play an important role in implementing field research projects, maintaining high-quality research standards, managing experimental data, supporting graduate student research, and communicating research findings through reports, presentations, and scientific publications. The position provides opportunities to develop expertise in field research management, experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and research project coordination while working as part of a collaborative research team.
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
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and willingness to conduct hands-on agricultural field research.
- Work effectively as part of a collaborative team where members contribute to shared research goals.
- Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and complete tasks reliably with appropriate independence.
- Adapt to changing field conditions, weather, and research priorities.
- Maintain attention to detail when conducting experiments and collecting data.
- Communicate effectively with researchers, students, technicians, and collaborators.
- Demonstrate reliability, organization, professionalism, and good judgment.
- Develop and apply new skills in field research management, data analysis, scientific communication, and research coordination.
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
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations:
- Move up to 40 pounds.
- Walk and stand for extended periods on uneven agricultural terrain.
- Bend, kneel, crouch, and reach while conducting field research activities.
- Safely operate university vehicles.
- Work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, dust, and precipitation.
- Work with and around pesticides, plant materials, and agricultural environments while using required personal protective equipment.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on September 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
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.
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.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Sick Leave, Retirement PlanSalary : $42,604 - $63,038