Postdoctoral Research Associate

Montana State University; Sidney (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University’s Eastern Agricultural Research Center in Sidney, MT seeks a PhD-level scientist to lead field, greenhouse, and lab research on dry bean and oilseed crops. Responsibilities include designing field trials, collecting samples, processing data, and writing manuscripts, with occasional travel to support projects.

Strong communication, teamwork, and independent judgment are expected, along with the ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.

Qualifications

• Ph.D in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Sciences, or closely related disciplines.
• Experience in growing crops and managing pests, especially for oilseed crops.
• Experienced in measuring, collecting, and recording responsive variables in soil and plant tissue.
• Experienced in use of word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical software.

Responsibilities

• Organizing field trials.
• Planting field plots.
• Applying fertilizer and controlling weeds.
• Collecting soil and plant samples.
• Processing soil and plant samples in the lab.
• Measuring grain quality parameters in the lab.
• Recording and analyzing data.
• Writing manuscripts and reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Prioritization

Education

Ph.D in Agronomy/Crop Science/Soil Sciences

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Statistical software

Job description

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27137

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

This position is under the supervision of the superintendent to carry out field, greenhouse, and lab research activities for dry bean and oilseed projects.

Position Number

Position Number 4C1366

Department

Department AES EARC

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

MSU -Eastern Agricultural Research Center in Sidney, MT has a nice research facility with modern research labs, greenhouses, and irrigated and dryland research farms. The research farms are equipped with three linear irrigation systems and modern planting and harvesting equipment, conducting agronomic and plant pathology research on cereal, pulse, and oilseed crops.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizing field trials.
• Planting field plots.
• Applying fertilizer and controlling weeds.
• Collecting soil and plant samples.
• Processing soil and plant samples in the lab.
• Measuring grain quality parameters in the lab.
• Recording and analyzing data.
• Writing manuscripts and reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Ph.D degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Sciences, or closely related disciplines.
• Experience in growing crops and managing pests, especially for oilseed crops.
• Experienced in measuring, collecting, and recording of responsive variables in soil and plant tissue.
• Experienced in use of word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical software.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in operating small farm equipment.
• Experience in grant proposal writing.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have great communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Exercise initiative and independent judgement in day to day activities.
• Have the ability to prioritize duties.
• Possess time management skills.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Occasional in and out of state overnight travels are 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

Occasional moving of seeds and samples in bags weighing up to 50 pounds, ability to tolerate dust, insects, fungus, and in a stationary position for extended periods of time and excellent manual dexterity.
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?

This position has supervisory duties? No

Number of Vacancies

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 October 28, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

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.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).