What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate – Pulse Crop Survey Program position at Montana State University?
This position provides scientific and technical support for the Pulse Crop Pest and Disease Survey Program at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center under the supervision of the Associate Professor of Plant Pathology. The Research Associate will coordinate and conduct field surveys, identify economically important pests and diseases, collect and manage survey data, communicate findings with agricultural stakeholders, and assist with applied research and outreach activities that support Montana’s pulse crop industry.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys for economically important diseases and insect pests of pulse crops throughout Montana.
- Collect, identify, and document plant and insect samples while maintaining accurate survey records using established protocols and digital data collection tools.
- Prepare timely reports, maps, and communications for producers and agricultural stakeholders through email, social media, websites, and other outreach platforms.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with producers, crop consultants, diagnostic laboratories, researchers, and other collaborators.
- Assist with applied research projects, diagnostic activities, and preparation of educational materials and reports.
- Present survey findings at field days, grower meetings, stakeholder meetings, and other outreach events.
- Operate university vehicles and other equipment, including unmanned aerial systems (drones), following university and FAA guidelines.
- Supervise temporary employees and student workers as assigned.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline.
- Experience with plant disease identification, crop scouting, field research, or related agricultural work.
- Demonstrated experience conducting independent field work in agricultural or natural resource settings.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and basic computer applications.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline.
- Experience conducting plant disease or integrated pest management surveys.
- Experience working with agricultural producers or other stakeholders.
- Experience with GIS, ArcGIS Survey123, drones, or other precision agriculture technologies.
- Experience preparing technical reports, outreach materials, or presentations.
- Experience supervising students or temporary employees.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Build positive working relationships with producers, agricultural professionals, and research collaborators.
- Communicate scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and professionalism.
- Adapt to changing field conditions and learn new technologies and survey methods.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 3 months of hire
- Extensive travel throughout Montana is required during the growing season.
- Ability to safely operate a pickup truck on highways, gravel roads, and unimproved field roads.
- Occasional overnight travel to attend stakeholder meetings, conferences, and training.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during peak survey periods.
- Must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if not already certified.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time
Physical Demands
- Must be able to move up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to traverse for extended periods on uneven agricultural terrain.
- Must be able to position self while collecting field samples.
- Must be able to safely operate university vehicles for extended periods and travel frequently throughout Montana.
- Must be able to repeatedly enter and exit vehicles while conducting field surveys.
- Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, dust, and light precipitation.
- Must be able to work with and around pesticides, plant materials, and dusty environments; requires the ability to wear a respirator or other required personal protective equipment.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
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 : $40,589 - $61,823