DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:

Full-time Research Specialist position in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The successful candidate will assist the hard winter wheat breeder in the development of improved winter wheat varieties for ND and surrounding areas; participate in planning, organizing and conducting breeding, pre-breeding and related scientific experiments. Individual will also help gather and catalog experimental data, perform statistical analyses, and help organize state-wide Variety and Elite Yield Trials. This will include, but not be limited to: manage, perform, and maintain records for all aspects of field crop production; fertilization, crop and cultivar selection, tillage and planting operations, treatment applications, and harvest. Proper and safe operation of farm equipment, loading and towing trailered equipment, and use of power tools and equipment are critical components of maintaining a safe work environment. Also, all equipment should be maintained and improvements made to facilitate safety. The position includes training and supervision of student workers to assist in completion of project goals. Duties require coordination and collaboration with other projects as well as groups in other departments and research centers to achieve research objectives, and interact with regional and USDA-ARS disease nursery coordinators; partake in budget planning and funding proposals and progress report writing. 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:

• MS in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• Experience with crop production systems and the use of farm/research equipment.
• Ability to manage the daily functions of a wheat breeding project; working cooperatively with associates and student workers.
• Proficient operation and maintenance of farming equipment.
• Computer competence in Microsoft Pro suite of programs with experience using a statistical analysis package such as SAS.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Work well with others including supervisory skills.
• Valid US driver license.
• Possess North Dakota Commercial Applicators License for field application with certification for greenhouse application.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Mechanical skills for simple equipment repairs.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Prior experience managing field experiments.

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.

Please refer the Job description for details