Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25125 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Hayes Gooseyhgoosey@montana.edu406-994-5688Classification Title Research Asst III Working Title Research Technician Temporary Position Brief Position Overview This is a 12-month position, with the possibility of a 12-month extension, under Hayes Goosey’s direction, the Forage Lab is embarking on a critical research project funded by the Montana Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The project aims to address the significant issue of grasshopper damage to pulse crops in Montana, which threatens the state’s agricultural economy. To ensure the project’s success, hiring a Research Technician with a Bachelor of Science degree is essential to support the lab’s research activities and assist a new PhD student with their work.Position Number 4M2094 Department Animal & Range Sciences Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Classified Fixed Term Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $19.468 - $24.335 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Fixed Term If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The project focuses on developing and implementing strategies to mitigate grasshopper damage to pulse crops. This includes extensive fieldwork, sample collection and processing, data curation, and analysis. The outcomes of this research are expected to provide invaluable insights and practical solutions for farmers in Montana, thereby significantly contributing to the sustainability of the state’s agricultural sector.Duties and Responsibilities Support for Principal Investigator (PI) and PhD Student:
The Research Technician will assist the PI, Hayes Goosey, in managing and executing the project. This includes coordinating fieldwork, organizing logistics, and ensuring that the research timeline is adhered to;
The technician will also provide crucial support to the new PhD student, who will rely on their assistance for fieldwork, sample processing, and data management. The technician’s role is essential to maintain the efficiency and accuracy of the research process.
Fieldwork and Sample Processing:
The project requires extensive fieldwork across various locations in Montana. The Research Technician will work in tandem with the Project PI and PhD student to organize and conduct field surveys, collect samples, and ensure that all necessary data is accurately recorded;
Post-collection, the technician will process samples in the lab, ensuring that they are prepared for analysis. This includes tasks such as sorting, drying, and storing samples in a manner that preserves their integrity for subsequent analysis.
Data Curation and Management:
Data curation is a critical component of this project. The Research Technician will be responsible for managing the data collected during fieldwork and lab activities, ensuring that it is accurately entered into databases, appropriately labeled, and stored;
The technician will also assist in preliminary data analysis, helping to identify trends and patterns that will inform the project’s direction and outcomes.
Contribution to Project Outcomes:
The technician’s work will directly contribute to the project’s success by ensuring that all research activities are conducted efficiently and accurately. Their support will enable the PI and the PhD student to focus on the more complex aspects of the research, such as data analysis and interpretation;
By maintaining the quality and consistency of data collection and processing, the Research Technician will help ensure that the project meets its objectives and delivers valuable insights for mitigating grasshopper damage to pulse crops in Montana.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
B.S.in natural resource sciences (entomology, agronomy, plant sciences, biology etc.)
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
M.S. in natural resource sciences (entomology, agronomy, plant sciences, biology etc.)
The Successful Candidate Will
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding.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 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 Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on October 23, 2024; 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.