Research Associate – Cropping Systems & Nutrient Management *Conrad, MT *
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement, Bozeman, MT, United States
Brief Position Overview
The Agronomy Lab led by Dr. John Cardoso at Western Triangle Agriculture Research Center (WTARC) is seeking a motivated Research Associate to support an applied agronomic research program in cropping systems, nutrient management, and plant stress mitigation. The position will support dryland and irrigated field, greenhouse, and laboratory research focused on Montana crops, including wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and alternative crops. Responsibilities include establishing and maintaining research trials; collecting, processing, and analyzing soil and plant samples; managing and analyzing agronomic and environmental datasets; and contributing to statistical analyses. The Research Associate will also assist with the preparation of technical reports, outreach materials, social media content, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts in collaboration with the principal investigator and project partners. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and P.I. instructions, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively under variable field and laboratory conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist with the planning, establishment, and management of field and greenhouse experiments in cropping systems, nutrient and fertilizer management, and plant stress mitigation for Montana crops.
Lead field and laboratory activities, including experimental design, plot layout, planting, in‑season management, sample processing and analysis, and harvest operations in dryland and irrigated systems.
Collect high‑quality agronomic, soil, plant, and environmental data following established protocols and quality control procedures, including development or adaptation of protocols for non‑conventional or novel research studies as needed.
Operate field and laboratory instrumentation, including gas exchange, environmental monitoring, optical sensing, and analytical equipment (e.g., IRGA, portable meteorological stations, SPAD meters, soil sensors, spectrophotometers, and pH/EC meters).
Process soil and plant samples and conduct basic soil and plant nutrient analyses, including sample preparation, chemical extractions, instrumental measurements, and quality assurance, with coordination of internal and external analytical laboratories as needed. More complex analysis may be performed as the program advances and more equipment is acquired.
Manage research data, including data entry, organization, quality control, visualization, and preliminary statistical analyses, and assist with advanced data analysis and interpretation in collaboration with the principal investigator.
Work independently and exercise problem‑solving skills to ensure continuity of research activities when the principal investigator is unavailable.
Supervise, train, and coordinate the work of part‑time employees and student interns.
Contribute to the preparation of research reports, extension publications, grant‑related deliverables, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
Assist with maintaining research equipment, tools, and laboratory facilities, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational procedures.
Coordinate research activities with Extension personnel, collaborating scientists, technicians, students, and external partners, and participate in outreach activities including field days, producer meetings, conferences, and presentations as needed.
Travel within the state to support research activities, with occasional out‑of‑state travel for meetings, conferences, and professional development.
Perform other research‑related duties as needed to support WTARC’s Agronomy Program objectives and timelines.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Nutrient Management, Plant Physiology, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and strong research experience (3+ years) may also be considered.
Demonstrated experience conducting field and greenhouse agronomic tasks, including pre‑planting soil preparation, plot establishment and maintenance, in‑season management, and harvest operations.
Experience operating field and greenhouse research equipment, including tractors, fertilizer applicators, planters, harvesters, irrigation systems, meteorological instruments, and plot‑scale research equipment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience using statistical data analysis software such as SAS, R, SigmaPlot, GraphPad Prism, and others.
Demonstrated experience with agronomic data and sample collection, including sample handling, preparation, documentation, and adherence to safety and quality control practices.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience working with small‑grain and pulse cropping systems common to Montana, including wheat, barley, pea, lentil, and other regionally relevant crops, under dryland and irrigated conditions.
Experience conducting soil and plant nutrient analyses and working with complex laboratory analytical methods, including chemical extractions, instrumental measurements (ICP, C/N auto‑analyzer), and data quality assurance procedures.
Experience using unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones) for agricultural research applications, including mission planning, image acquisition, and basic data processing.
Experience with multispectral and/or hyperspectral imagery and image analysis techniques for assessing crop performance, nutrient status, or plant stress.
Experience creating digital content (e.g., photos, videos, short educational materials) to communicate research and outreach activities through social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Experience or familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or advanced analytical approaches applied to agricultural research, such as image recognition, computer vision, predictive modeling, or decision‑support tools using agronomic, physiological, or remote sensing data.
The Successful Candidate Will
Conduct high‑quality agronomic research and data collection to support agricultural productivity in the Golden Triangle Region and the continued development of the WTARC’s Agronomy Program.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail, following guidance from the principal investigator to maintain high standards of data quality and scientific integrity.
Work independently and collaboratively in a field‑based research environment, maintaining friendly relationships with supervisors, colleagues, students, staff, and stakeholders.
Apply effective problem‑solving, time management, and multitasking skills while demonstrating initiative and commitment to professional growth.
Be adaptable and willing to work under variable environmental conditions and during peak field seasons.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Ability to work flexible hours when required by research protocols, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, during peak field and research seasons.
May require work outdoors for extended periods under variable weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and dust.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana and University requirements for operating state or university vehicles. A successful candidate holding an out‑of‑state license must obtain a Montana driver’s license within 90 days of the hire date.
Must be able to safely operate a pick‑up truck while towing trailers or farm implements.
Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Department of Agriculture Government Pesticide Applicator License, including demonstration and research, agricultural plant pest control, and seed treatment classifications, within six months of hire.
Physical Demands
Must be able to lift 60 pounds.
Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen‑bearing plants, herbicides, and pesticides.
Must be able to walk and stand in uneven terrain for extended periods.
Must be able to safely enter, exit, and operate various types of farm machinery.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Agronomy Lab led by Dr. John Cardoso at Western Triangle Agriculture Research Center (WTARC) is seeking a motivated Research Associate to support an applied agronomic research program in cropping systems, nutrient management, and plant stress mitigation. The position will support dryland and irrigated field, greenhouse, and laboratory research focused on Montana crops, including wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and alternative crops. Responsibilities include establishing and maintaining research trials; collecting, processing, and analyzing soil and plant samples; managing and analyzing agronomic and environmental datasets; and contributing to statistical analyses. The Research Associate will also assist with the preparation of technical reports, outreach materials, social media content, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts in collaboration with the principal investigator and project partners. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and P.I. instructions, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively under variable field and laboratory conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist with the planning, establishment, and management of field and greenhouse experiments in cropping systems, nutrient and fertilizer management, and plant stress mitigation for Montana crops.
Lead field and laboratory activities, including experimental design, plot layout, planting, in‑season management, sample processing and analysis, and harvest operations in dryland and irrigated systems.
Collect high‑quality agronomic, soil, plant, and environmental data following established protocols and quality control procedures, including development or adaptation of protocols for non‑conventional or novel research studies as needed.
Operate field and laboratory instrumentation, including gas exchange, environmental monitoring, optical sensing, and analytical equipment (e.g., IRGA, portable meteorological stations, SPAD meters, soil sensors, spectrophotometers, and pH/EC meters).
Process soil and plant samples and conduct basic soil and plant nutrient analyses, including sample preparation, chemical extractions, instrumental measurements, and quality assurance, with coordination of internal and external analytical laboratories as needed. More complex analysis may be performed as the program advances and more equipment is acquired.
Manage research data, including data entry, organization, quality control, visualization, and preliminary statistical analyses, and assist with advanced data analysis and interpretation in collaboration with the principal investigator.
Work independently and exercise problem‑solving skills to ensure continuity of research activities when the principal investigator is unavailable.
Supervise, train, and coordinate the work of part‑time employees and student interns.
Contribute to the preparation of research reports, extension publications, grant‑related deliverables, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
Assist with maintaining research equipment, tools, and laboratory facilities, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational procedures.
Coordinate research activities with Extension personnel, collaborating scientists, technicians, students, and external partners, and participate in outreach activities including field days, producer meetings, conferences, and presentations as needed.
Travel within the state to support research activities, with occasional out‑of‑state travel for meetings, conferences, and professional development.
Perform other research‑related duties as needed to support WTARC’s Agronomy Program objectives and timelines.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Nutrient Management, Plant Physiology, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and strong research experience (3+ years) may also be considered.
Demonstrated experience conducting field and greenhouse agronomic tasks, including pre‑planting soil preparation, plot establishment and maintenance, in‑season management, and harvest operations.
Experience operating field and greenhouse research equipment, including tractors, fertilizer applicators, planters, harvesters, irrigation systems, meteorological instruments, and plot‑scale research equipment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience using statistical data analysis software such as SAS, R, SigmaPlot, GraphPad Prism, and others.
Demonstrated experience with agronomic data and sample collection, including sample handling, preparation, documentation, and adherence to safety and quality control practices.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience working with small‑grain and pulse cropping systems common to Montana, including wheat, barley, pea, lentil, and other regionally relevant crops, under dryland and irrigated conditions.
Experience conducting soil and plant nutrient analyses and working with complex laboratory analytical methods, including chemical extractions, instrumental measurements (ICP, C/N auto‑analyzer), and data quality assurance procedures.
Experience using unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones) for agricultural research applications, including mission planning, image acquisition, and basic data processing.
Experience with multispectral and/or hyperspectral imagery and image analysis techniques for assessing crop performance, nutrient status, or plant stress.
Experience creating digital content (e.g., photos, videos, short educational materials) to communicate research and outreach activities through social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Experience or familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or advanced analytical approaches applied to agricultural research, such as image recognition, computer vision, predictive modeling, or decision‑support tools using agronomic, physiological, or remote sensing data.
The Successful Candidate Will
Conduct high‑quality agronomic research and data collection to support agricultural productivity in the Golden Triangle Region and the continued development of the WTARC’s Agronomy Program.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail, following guidance from the principal investigator to maintain high standards of data quality and scientific integrity.
Work independently and collaboratively in a field‑based research environment, maintaining friendly relationships with supervisors, colleagues, students, staff, and stakeholders.
Apply effective problem‑solving, time management, and multitasking skills while demonstrating initiative and commitment to professional growth.
Be adaptable and willing to work under variable environmental conditions and during peak field seasons.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Ability to work flexible hours when required by research protocols, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, during peak field and research seasons.
May require work outdoors for extended periods under variable weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and dust.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana and University requirements for operating state or university vehicles. A successful candidate holding an out‑of‑state license must obtain a Montana driver’s license within 90 days of the hire date.
Must be able to safely operate a pick‑up truck while towing trailers or farm implements.
Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Department of Agriculture Government Pesticide Applicator License, including demonstration and research, agricultural plant pest control, and seed treatment classifications, within six months of hire.
Physical Demands
Must be able to lift 60 pounds.
Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen‑bearing plants, herbicides, and pesticides.
Must be able to walk and stand in uneven terrain for extended periods.
Must be able to safely enter, exit, and operate various types of farm machinery.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr