Position Summary

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, laboratory, and field. Office activities will include statistical data analysis, technical report writing, creation of effective presentations, effective communication with MSU extension educators and collaborators within and outside of the state, and website maintenance.

Laboratory activities will include microscopy, pathogen isolation and propagation, and molecular testing. Field 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 during the growing season

Minimum Requirements

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.

Desired Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences or Biological Sciences within 6 months of hire
• Prior experience with fungal and oomycete pathogens including isolation and identification; molecular techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing
• Possession of a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator license
• Demonstrated technical writing skills for scientific and applied publications
• 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
• 2-3 years’ experience with field research and fungicide efficacy trials
• Experience with MI crops (e.g., celery, onion, asparagus, cucurbits) and ginseng
• Experience with MI vegetable pathogens (e.g., Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora capsici, Stemphylium vesicarium, Pseudoperonospora cubensis) and ginseng pathogens (Phytophthora cactorum, Panax quinquefolium L., Fusarium, Cylindrocarpon destructans, Rhexocercospordium panacis)
• Experience with Burkhard, cyclone, and rotorod spore traps
• Experience with microscopy and fungal plant pathogen identification

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

For questions regarding the position please contact Mary Hausbeck (hausbec1@msu.edu)

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 possible extension 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.

Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).

Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.

Bidding eligibility ends October 22, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.