Careers @ MSU

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

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In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Position Summary:

The selected candidate will collaborate on key viticulture and fruit crop research projects, including the Michigan Cold Hardiness project and field trials to test disease management chemistries in wine grapes and cherries. This role involves leadership in developing Extension bulletins for managing pests and diseases in peaches and wine grapes, and updating pest management bulletins for Michigan apples and cherries.

Additionally, the candidate will work closely with the MSU Fruit Team to share disease management information across multiple crops, supporting Michigan's fruit growers.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate on the Michigan Cold Hardiness project, including sample collection, Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) testing, and data compilation.
• Assist in applied field trials to evaluate chemistries against key diseases affecting wine grapes and cherries, including bacterial canker, cherry leaf spot, and American brown rot.
• Lead the development of Extension bulletins focused on pest and disease management for peach and wine grapes.
• Update existing pest management bulletins for Michigan apples and sweet and tart cherries.
• Collaborate with MSU Fruit Team specialists and educators to disseminate relevant disease management strategies across multiple crops.
• Assist in data collection, analysis, and reporting for research projects.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in plant pathology, viticulture, horticulture, or a closely related field.
• Experience with Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and cold hardiness testing.
• Experience in conducting field trials and applying statistical analysis to research data.
• In-depth knowledge of pest and disease management in peaches, cherries, and wine grapes.
• Experience in developing educational materials such as Extension bulletins.
• Ability to effectively communicate research findings to growers and industry stakeholders.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).

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.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5