Research Assistant II — Grain Quality & End-Use Testing

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University’s Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL) in Bozeman seeks a Research Assistant II to support grain quality analysis, milling, and end-use testing. You will work with breeders, researchers, and students, performing hands-on lab tasks and leading a team of student workers.

This role offers full-time, on-site employment with on-the-job training. You will gain practical skills in grain composition, milling yield, and end-use quality testing, contributing to the selection of

Qualifications

• Two years post-secondary education or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Demonstrated competence utilizing computer equipment and computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, etc.

Responsibilities

• Receive, catalog, and clean incoming grain samples from breeding programs.
• Measure and report whole seed composition.
• Measure milling yield and flour properties.
• Evaluate bread and noodle quality through test baking and end-use testing.
• Conduct quality tests for department researchers and graduate students.
• Stand for long hours while performing repetitive laboratory tasks that require frequent use of hands and fingers.
• Train, supervise, and direct the daily laboratory work of student employees.
• Lead tours of the Cereal Quality Laboratory for visitors, including children, farmers, college classes, professors, and legislators.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Clean glassware and perform general maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Post-secondary education

Computer skills

Education

Biology degree (preferred)

Job description

Montana State University’s Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL) in Bozeman seeks a Research Assistant II to support grain quality analysis, milling, and end-use testing. You will work with breeders, researchers, and students, performing hands-on lab tasks and leading a team of student workers.

This role offers full-time, on-site employment with on-the-job training. You will gain practical skills in grain composition, milling yield, and end-use quality testing, contributing to the selection of