Full Time Assistant Breeder position available in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The successful candidate will provide the dry bean breeder the support needed in the development of improved dry bean varieties (across eight market classes) for North Dakota and surrounding areas. Activities include all field, greenhouse, and lab tasks related primarily to cultivar development but also to basic genetic research. This would include the organization and assistance needed to conduct critical scientific research to achieve the above goal. Responsibilities include identifying, evaluating, and utilizing appropriate procedures to allow successful completion of the experiments, data analysis using appropriate statistical procedures, assist in field mass selection and making line selections based on data analysis; uploading all phenotype and genotype data to the appropriate databases; maintain pure seed stocks and incorporate pedigree information into the projects database; summarizing research results, assist in presenting results, and assist in writing subsequent research publications. The individual requires general and minimal guidance from project lead and requires cooperation with other team members, NDSU Research/Extension Centers, growers and industry partners. Duties also include help/assist in DNA lab activities as well as canning trials; supervising and training students and other personnel; and performing various other duties of a scientific nature. Duties will require coordination with the plant breeder, other members of the research project, and project members of other departments collaborating on dry beans. The candidate is expected to work in a team-oriented fashion and interact with a diverse group of students, interns, postdoctoral research associates, growers, and visitors.
Minimum Qualifications:
Earned M.S. degree in agriculture or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience in field breeding activities and research including (but not limited to) designing, planning and planting experiments, plot/field maintenance, field data collection, selection decisions, harvest, and statistical analyses, among other activities.
Working experience in managing and entering data into databases
Experience in field experimental design and statistical analyses using proper tools and methods.
Proficient operation and knowledge of farming equipment, especially research farming equipment such as tractors, planters, cultivators, sprayers, and harvesters/combines, among others. In addition, experience in driving full-size pickup trucks with attached trailers, safely loading/unloading equipment from trailers, and routine equipment maintenance as well as minor repairs.
Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions during the field growing season (spring, summer, fall).
Ability to work well and effectively with others.
Ability to work in a team-oriented fashion and interact with a diverse group of students, postdoctoral research assistants, research technicians, growers, and visitors, among others.
Valid U.S. drivers license.
Ability to obtain a certified pesticide applicator license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience working in a breeding program.
Working experience with dry beans.
Experience with plant diseases and host genetic resistance.
Greenhouse management experience.
Experience in marker-assisted selection.
Supervisory experience.
Physical Demands:
Operate and transport small- to mid-sized agricultural equipment.
Lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
Work outside in various weather, occasionally challenging conditions.
Work longer hours when seasonally necessary.
Occasional overnight trips possible.
Advertised Salary: $55,000 +/year
Applicant Materials Required:
Cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met
Detailed curriculum vitae
Unofficial transcript
Contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.
Screening Date: October 9, 2023 and will remain open until filled.
Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with 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.
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures. NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Employees often attend on-campus cultural events, lectures, athletic events and enjoy walks through our beautiful campus. 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.
Veterans Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veterans Preference requirements.