Sugarbeet Advancement Assistant

Michigan State University Extension; City of Frankenmuth (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Research Assistant I to join their Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute. This role offers the opportunity to work on impactful field research projects aimed at enhancing the productivity of the Great Lakes sugar beet industry. You will collaborate with project principal investigators to design and oversee research trials, analyze data, and develop educational materials. This position promises a dynamic work environment, with the potential for flexible work arrangements while primarily based in an MSU Extension County office. If you are passionate about agronomy and eager to contribute to agricultural advancements, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy or related field required.
• 1-3 years of experience in laboratory procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field scale sugarbeet research trials.
• Analyze data and produce research reports.

Skills

Agronomic research

Data analysis

Field trial design

Laboratory procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy or related field

Tools

John Deere Gator

MFWD tractor

Agricultural equipment

Job description

Position Title: Research Assistant I

Location: Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, Frankenmuth MI

To Apply: Current MSU Employees: Access the EBS portal. Under the My Career and Training section, select the Careers @ MSU tile to view Internal Job Postings. External Applicants: Visit careers.msu.edu Posting Number: # 997798 Application Deadline: 02/25/2025

Contact for Questions: [e-mail]

Position Overview

As part of MSU Extension, the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), the assistant will work as part of the Sugarbeet Advancement Team to implement field research, monitoring, and inventory projects in cooperation with project principal investigators (PIs). The mission of Sugarbeet Advancement is to generate research and utilize education to enhance productivity and profitability of the Great Lakes sugar beet industry.

In this position, the candidate will help identify agronomic research priorities and plan and coordinate research efforts. Responsibilities include:

1. Designing, overseeing, and conducting field scale sugarbeet research trials.
2. Interpreting and analyzing data, producing research reports, and developing educational materials.
3. Overseeing planting of field trials and conducting field evaluations, including collecting stand counts, disease counts, ratings, yield data, and supporting data review and compilation during the trial period.
4. Operating agricultural equipment including, but not limited to, a John Deere Gator or similar equipment, Mechanical Front Wheel Drive (MFWD) tractor, and dump cart.

This work will take place in both Michigan and Canada, requiring travel between the US and Canada. A valid, unexpired enhanced driver's license or passport is necessary for this travel.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment; however, there is an expectation to work from an MSU Extension County office.

This is a full-time, end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon continued funding.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in agronomy or related field.
2. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
3. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Application Process

View full description and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 997798 using the Job Search field.

Application Deadline: February 25, 2025.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations.

The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Administrative

Industries: Higher Education