Malt Quality Lab Research Associate - Data & Analysis

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University’s Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab seeks a Research Associate to support daily malt quality measurements for the Breeding Program, stakeholders, and student projects. Join a fast-paced team with strong attention to detail and clear communication.

The successful candidate will work in a lab serving the malting and brewing industries, providing data to farmers, maltsters, and beverage producers while maintaining rigorous QC logs and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in plant science, food or malt quality analysis, chemical analysis or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience generating, managing & reporting data.
• Experience in lab environments requiring organization and time management.
• Laboratory research experience.

Responsibilities

• Sample intake, organization, and preparation.
• Barley & malt quality analysis, operating various equipment (NIR analyzer, CLP malters, etc).
• Data collection, organization, maintenance, analysis and reporting; upkeep of QC logs.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and maintenance.
• Support research including project development and supervising student projects.
• Contribute to and submit research publications.
• Uphold lab safety protocols.
• Interact with the public through lab tours and present findings at industry meetings.

Skills

Data generation & reporting

Lab organization & time management

Laboratory research experience

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's in plant science / related field

Master's in plant science / related field (preferred)

Tools

NIR analyzer

CLP malters

Bühler equipment

Perten mills

UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

Densitometer

Job description

Montana State University’s Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab seeks a Research Associate to support daily malt quality measurements for the Breeding Program, stakeholders, and student projects. Join a fast-paced team with strong attention to detail and clear communication.

The successful candidate will work in a lab serving the malting and brewing industries, providing data to farmers, maltsters, and beverage producers while maintaining rigorous QC logs and safety protocols.