Position Description:

The Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University, located in Fargo, ND, is currently seeking a Research Specialist. This individual will be responsible for conducting applied research on diseases affecting soybeans and sunflowers, working under the guidance of Dr. Febina Mathew. The primary responsibilities of this position include: 1) Taking the lead or assisting the Principal Investigator in ongoing research projects related to soybean and sunflower; 2) Designing and conducting laboratory and greenhouse experiments, as well as analyzing data and writing comprehensive reports; and 3) Maintaining an inventory of organism isolates stored for long-term use, as well as overseeing lab supplies, seeds, and other resources associated with the program. While this position is considered full-time, it is contingent upon the policies of NDSU and the availability of funds. Employees will be entitled to various fringe benefits at NDSU, including but not limited to retirement plans, health insurance, vacation time, and sick leave. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Febina Mathew at febina.mathew@ndsu.edu.

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. in agronomy, plant science, agronomy, or a closely related field; Experience with diseases of any oilseed crop; A driving license or will be required to have it within a month of joining the lab; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. in plant pathology, biotechnology, or closely related field; Experience with diseases of oilseed crops (such as soybean and sunflower) grown in North Dakota; Expertise in molecular and classic plant pathology techniques.

Screening Date: Applications are due April 2, 2024.

Required Applicant Documents: Resume; Cover letter; Unofficial Transcript.

Special Instruction to Applicants: The cover letter should include the names, emails, addresses, and phone numbers of three references from recent positions held.

Salary: Depending on experience

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

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:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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.

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.