Job Description

Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26002
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Doug Holen
406-994-5687
Classification Title
Working Title Assistant Professor of Plant Sciences - Pulse Crop Breeding
Brief Position Overview
We are searching for a tenure track faculty position at Montana State University-Bozeman. The pulse breeder will manage day-to-day breeding program activities. Primary responsibilities are to develop and release genetically improved pulse cultivars adapted to Montana production.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank TT
Position Number 4B1258
Department Plant Sciences
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Faculty
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type MUS
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology has 29 tenure track faculty, with major emphasis on plant genetics and plant pathology that includes plant breeders, plant physiologists, horticulturists, cereal chemists, entomologists, plant pathologists and plant molecular biologists. The departmental research focus on plant genetics provides excellent opportunities for collaboration. The Department and University have state-of-the-art facilities for genomics and proteomics in addition to excellent plant growth facilities. Field research facilities are available both near campus and at seven Research Centers located strategically throughout the state. The Department offers both MS and PhD degrees in Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology.
Duties and Responsibilities
The pulse breeding position is charged with the following:

• Directing independent breeding program, including varietal development and testing.
• Establishing competitive and extramurally funded research programs with a focus on pulse crop improvement.
• Publishing scholarly research related to pulse breeding and genetics.
• Classroom instruction, advising/training graduate students and undergraduate advising.
• Providing appropriate public, departmental and university service.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * A PhD degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics or closely related field.

• Experience in field research and design of field experiments.
• Experience in basic and advanced techniques used in plant breeding and genetics research.
• A record of publications in refereed journals.
• A record of developing both basic and applied research projects.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * A record of successful collaborations in plant breeding research.

• A record of successful collaborations in plant pathology research.
• Postdoctoral experience in plant genetics, plant breeding, or a related field.
• Classroom instruction experience.
• Experience in writing grant applications and a record of obtaining extramural funds.

The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will have the proven ability to:

• Express themselves in written and oral communications.
• Add intellectual diversity to the department.
• Develop both short and long-term research goals.
• Work independently and collaboratively towards research goals.
• Give scientific presentations to diverse audiences.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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.
The Program
The Department
The College
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 August 18, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for NEW sponsorship.
To be considered in the pool, apply online by uploading the following: * CV.

• A cover letter that specifically addresses the requirements of this position.
• Research statement.
• Teaching statement.
• Names and contact information of three professional references. Two reference letters may be required of finalists.

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.
FLSA Details
FLSA Determination
FLSA Status Exempt
Applicant Documents
Required Documents * Curriculum Vitae

• Teaching Statement (max 2 pages)
• Research Statement
• Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications

Optional Documents

Skills Required