Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

The Vegetable and Floriculture Pathology program in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University is seeking a highly motivated individual to work as a member of the pathology research program. This position will support research and extension efforts in understanding pathogen and disease management issues in Michigan vegetable and floriculture productions systems

The individual will work as a member of a team including professors, research assistants, graduate, and undergraduate students. The position will include work in the office, field, and greenhouse. Office activities will include statistical data analysis, technical report writing, creation of data tables and effective presentations, effective communication with MSU extension educators and collaborators within and outside of the state. Field and greenhouse activities will include designing, coordinating, applying pesticide treatments, maintaining, and evaluating and data collection for research trials. Field work will require up to weekly travel in-state and bi-weekly travel out-of-state during the growing season.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related science fields; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements and performing analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.

Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license and a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator license.

Desired Qualifications

• Master of Science in Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences or Biological Sciences
• Demonstrated technical writing skills
• Ability to conduct statistical analysis with SAS, R, or Agriculture Research Manager (ARM)
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and SigmaPlot
• 1-2 years experience with field research and fungicide efficacy trials
• Experience with MI crops, e.g. celery, onion, asparagus, cucurbits
• Experience with MI vegetable pathogens, e.g. Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora capsici, Stemphylium vesicarium, Pseudoperonospora cubensis
• Experience with Burkhard and rotorod spore traps

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter

Resume/CV

Names and contact information for Three(3) Professional References

Special Instructions

Please contact Mary Hausbeck (hausbec1@msu.edu)  for any inquires about the position 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with renewal possible contingent upon funding.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

Summary of Physical Demands

Lift and carry up to 50 lb. bags of fertilizer, seeds, and equipment parts.

Walk through uneven field plots, potentially in inclement weather.

Summary of Health Risks

Drive a university vehicle, which requires a commercial driver’s license:  

• VEHICLES:
  • Having a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
• COMBINATION VEHICLES:  
  • Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and a gross combination weight or weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• ANY VEHICLES:
  • Designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
  • Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
  • Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).

Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license but does require medical

certification:

• VEHICLES:
  • Have a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more but less than 26,001 pounds.
• COMBINATION VEHICLES:
  • Having a combined gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds.

 Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas.

Bidding eligibility ends on 4/23/2024 at 11:55 PM