Job Description

Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26256
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Stephanie Pierce
406-994-5171
Classification Title Research Professional
Working Title Research Associate
Brief Position Overview
The research associate will implement day to day winter wheat breeding program activities in the greenhouse and support field activities in the summer.
Position Number 4C2695
Department Plant Sciences
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type 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 0.875
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
The winter wheat breeding program uses field, greenhouse, and laboratory resources to synchronously advance segregating populations, phenotypically and/or genetically select lines for further testing, and field test selected lines in diverse Montana environments for adaptation, pest resistance, agronomic suitability, productivity, and end-use quality. Yield trials are planted in Bozeman and at the seven MAES research centers across Montana each fall. The successful candidate will work together with breeding team currently consisting of a breeder, one Post Doctoral Research Associate and several undergraduate students.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate greenhouse planting, watering, fertilization and harvest.
• Conduct crosses in the greenhouse.
• Support winter wheat program activities in the field, hoeing, harvest, threshing and seed prep.
• Support the graduate students in greenhouse activities.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * Master's degree in agronomy, plant sciences, plant breeding, or a related field OR Bachelor's degree + 2 years of professional experience in breeding programs.

• Experience with agricultural research including field small plot research, greenhouse management, plot management, data collection, harvest, and sample processing .
• Experience with MS word, MS Excel, statistical software, and data management.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * Experience in greenhouse plant management is preferred.

• Knowledge of wheat hybridization techniques.
• Interest in working in the field to support breeding program activities.

The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will be a team player with effective interpersonal communication skills, time management skills, will be detail oriented, follow all university rules and policies, and will have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers in the breeding program and university.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information * Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends, when research protocols dictate

• Must be able to safely and effectively use seed cleaning and seed processing machinery
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid State of Montana driver's license as travel will be required.

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 * Move and maneuver 60 pounds.

• Navigate rough terrain for long periods of time.
• Work in inclement weather conditions for long periods of time.
• Work in and around dust, pollen-bearing plants, and agricultural pesticides.
• Work with and around loud equipment and heavy machinery.

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
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on January 21, 2026; 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.
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.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents * Resume

• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Skills Required