Research Specialist - (Horsley)

Position Description & Details:

North Dakota State University's Department of Plant Sciences invites applications for a Research Specialist to assist the barley plant breeder develop improved varieties for North Dakota and the surrounding areas. It includes assisting in planning, organizing, and conducting scientific research in breeding, genetics, and producing two- and six-rowed barley. Responsibilities encompass identifying, evaluating, and utilizing appropriate procedures to ensure successful completion of experiments, analyzing data with suitable statistical methods, summarizing research findings, presenting results, and helping write subsequent research publications. Duties will require coordination with the plant breeder and other members of the research project, as well as project members from different departments collaborating on barley. This role also involves supervising and training subordinates and performing other scientific duties.

Hiring Range:

$38,176 - $50,902 /year

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned a B.S. degree or the equivalent in Plant Sciences, Agronomy, or Crop and Weed Sciences. Individuals without a B.S. degree must have a minimum of two years of working full time in a plant breeding program.
• Experience in small plot research.
• Experience in operating, maintaining, and repairing field plot equipment.
• Experience with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others and demonstrate effective supervisory skills.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• ND Certified Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain certification.
• Working experience with the execution of field, greenhouse, and laboratory trials, preferably in the context of a plant breeding program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in barley breeding, including crossing.
• Prior supervisory experience.

Physical Demands:

• Work with farm equipment
• Must be capable of lifting 75 pounds
• Work outside under challenging weather conditions
• Work longer hours seasonally, including weekends when needed for planting and harvest.
• Ability to travel to different sites in North Dakota, Arizona, and Puerto Rico

Applicant Materials Required:

Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae; 3) contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.

Screening will begin: May 6, 2025

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
  • Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
  • Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
  • Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
• Superb Retirement Plan
  • Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
• Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
• More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.