Research Associate

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number

STAFF - VA - 27169

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Ryan Thum ryan.thum@montana.edu (406) 994-4039

Classification Title Research Professional

Working Title Research Associate

Brief Position Overview Help improve the quality and value of wheat and pulse crops through hands-on laboratory research. The Research Associate conducts grain and end-use quality testing that supports Montana State University breeding programs and helps identify improved varieties for Montana producers.

Position Number 4C0089

Department Plant Sciences

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Research Professional

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement Join the Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL) in Montana State University’s Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology and contribute to the development of improved wheat, barley, and pulse varieties. The laboratory evaluates grain composition, seed quality, and end-use performance, connecting plant breeding with the qualities that matter to growers, processors, and consumers.

This position offers the opportunity to develop skills in grain quality analysis, wheat milling, and bread and noodle testing while working with plant breeders, researchers, field technicians, graduate students, and student employees. Your work will help breeding programs identify promising varieties, document quality traits, and support opportunities for Montana-grown crops in existing and emerging markets.

We seek a detail-oriented, motivated individual who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, is eager to learn new techniques, and wants to contribute to improving the quality of wheat and pulse crops.

Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of Cereal Quality Laboratory Manager Prashant Kumar, the Research Associate will perform the following duties:

• Receive, catalog, and clean incoming wheat, barley, and pulse samples; maintain accurate sample identification and laboratory records.
• Measure and report whole-seed composition and quality characteristics to support crop improvement research.
• Evaluate wheat milling yield and flour properties, and conduct bread and noodle quality tests.
• Conduct additional laboratory tests for departmental researchers and graduate students.
• Record, organize, and report test results accurately and efficiently.
• Provide daily supervision, training, and assignment of laboratory duties for student employees.
• Lead laboratory tours and explain the role of grain quality testing to growers, students, faculty, legislators, and other visitors.
• Analyze the data and interpret experimental datasets
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas; clean glassware and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Independently manage, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform routine technical checks on specialized laboratory instruments to ensure optimal performance, accuracy, and reliability.
• Updating instrument software and associated analytical programs to ensure optimal performance and data accuracy.
• Represent lab at national and international conferences
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree in biology, plant science, botany, related field, or a Bachelor’s and two years of experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers and software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in agricultural research.
• Working knowledge of grain quality standards.
• Experience supervising or training employees or students.
• Experience using computer software to organize and analyze data.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have an interest in crop improvement and the quality of wheat, barley, and pulse crops.
• Be eager to learn laboratory methods and develop proficiency in grain and end-use quality testing.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Prioritize workplace safety and consistently exercise initiative and sound judgment.
• Be self-motivated, organized, and able to manage priorities and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Perform laboratory tasks with accuracy and close attention to detail, and maintain complete, reliable records.
• Communicate results, procedures, and instructions clearly through effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Represent the Cereal Quality Laboratory and Montana State University professionally and courteously.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information This job description is a general description of the position and is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Physical Demands

• Work will require physical activity for several hours at a time.
• Duties include working with plant materials in dusty and noisy environments while wearing appropriate safety equipment.
• Duties include maneuvering incoming samples weighing up to 50 pounds.

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 ability required.

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 November 23, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

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.