Position Summary

The Chilvers Field Crops Pathology laboratory is seeking to hire a Research Assistant II to assist with planning, execution and coordination of goals and research projects within the laboratory. The position may involve the coordination of field work and trial establishment, treatment application, in field sample and data collection, and assistance with harvesting.  Additionally, the position will include the management and organization of data, analysis, report preparation, and grant and manuscript preparation. The position will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of the research lab.  Order research supplies, comply with EHS safety and APHIS biosecurity procedures, and train lab personnel. This person will also aid laboratory personnel including postdocs, and assistance with supervision and mentoring of graduate students and undergraduates.

This position may involve travel to national meetings once a year to disseminate research findings. Individuals who can demonstrate the following characteristics will be competitive for this position: Strong project management skills and an ability to conduct work in a self-directed and collaborative manner.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in plant pathology, biology, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments 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

Knowledge equivalent to that acquired through completion of post-bachelor degree work, such as Master's in plant pathology, biology or related field; experience in research methodologies involving foliar and root rot pathogens of field crops (i.e. corn, soybean, wheat), molecular diagnostics (i.e. qPCR and RPA), literature searches, report writing, supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, data analysis in one or more coding languages (i.e. R, python), experience using a High Performance Computing Cluster (HPCC) with command line coding, and scientific and extension communication, writing and presentations in plant pathology or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ideally, candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to the Extension mission and a strong motivation for independent learning. Experience in processing and analyzing large datasets is desired. Experience working with diverse pathogens of corn, soybean, and wheat is desired.

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

Resume/CV

Cover Letter explaining your qualifications for the position 

Names and Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References 

Special Instructions

Contact Dr. Martin Chilvers (chilvers@msu.edu) for questions about the position 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

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

Website

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

Bidding eligibility ends December 3, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.