Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Associate
Research Centers - Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center,
Conrad MT

Search Number:  14-041
 
Start Date: As soon as possible upon completion of the search process
 
Appointment: Full-time (1.0 FTE), renewable twelve (12) month contract dependent on funding, need and performance
 
Benefits: Eligible

Community Information: Founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of eight academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 14,000 students, including approximately 1,900 graduate students. MSU is classified as one of 108 U.S. Research Universities (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation. The mission of the Department of Research Centers is to serve the specific needs of the clientele in local production areas and the broader needs of Montana agriculture in general through applied research directed to the problems and impacts of agricultural production.
The Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center (WTARC) is one of the seven research centers, distributed across Montana, in the Department of Research Centers under the College of Agriculture/Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. The mission of the Department of Research Centers is to serve the specific needs of the clientele in local production areas and the broader needs of Montana agriculture in general through applied research directed to the problems and impacts of agricultural production. The WTARC is located in the north central region of Montana, 10 miles north of Conrad, approximately 60 miles SE of Great Falls. Conrad is situated near Rocky Mountain Front, Flathead National Forest, Lewis and Clark National Forest, and only 2.5 hours east of Glacier National Park. The area boasts spectacular scenery and the rural appeal of an array of recreational activities including fishing, hiking, hunting for fossils and game, photography, skiing, boating, and musical and other cultural events. Conrad has a population of around 2,600 residents; it has a strong sense of community and offers affordable rural living and very low crime rate. Local amenities include Pondera Medical Center, businesses, restaurants, stores, state of the art Pondera county shooting sports complex, churches. Other local communities include Shelby (approximate population of 3,500) with Amtrak rail station and Valier (population of about 450 residents) near Lake Frances popular for outdoor activities.
 
Overview: The position will have responsibilities in all areas of the Entomology and Ecology research unit. The person will work with the Principal Investigator in the design, establishment and maintenance of research plots; data collection, entry, and management; statistical analyses; supervision and training of part-time and summer staff; and in the preparation and presentation of reports and publications.
 
Duties and Responsibilities: Support the entomology/ecology program at WTARC under the direct supervision of the Entomologist/Ecologist. This individual will assist in designing field and greenhouse/laboratory research studies, collection and management of data, statistical analysis and summarization of results for scientific presentation and publications in peer reviewed journals and writing grant proposals. The selected individual will be required to assist the Entomologist/Ecologist in grant writing, manuscripts etc. The persons should have a research expertise, writing skills, broad IPM expertise, and publication records appropriate for the position.
 
Required Qualifications  
1. PhD degree in Entomology for Postdoc; MS in Entomology for a Research Associate.
2. Expertise in field-oriented entomology research, statistics and biological control.
3. Excellent communication and organization skills.
 
Preferred Qualifications  
1. Possess some knowledge of farm equipment operation, mechanics and electrical  systems
2. Possess significant, relevant work experience
3. Experience in successfully supervising employees
4. Experience coordinating workshops or similar group activities
5. Possess an established scientific publication record.
 
The Successful Candidate Will  
• Have the ability to travel to the field sites and work independently.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Have highly effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively with research faculty, producers and co-workers.
• Be able to follow instructions, maintain effective attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing competing demands.
• Be meticulous and specific in carrying out work assignments.
 
Additional Requirements  
1. In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
2. Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Driver’s License.
3. Must be able to work in severe weather conditions
4. Must be able to productively work with and around plant materials and in dusty environments.
 
Application Deadline  
Screening of applications will begin on August 19, 2013 and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
 
Application Procedure  
To apply, submit the following:
(1) a letter of application addressing all of the above required and preferred qualifications, and
(2) a current resume or vitae, and
(3) the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email address of three current professional references.

Electronic submissions in PDF format are preferred, and must have the applicant's signature on the letter of application. For electronic submittals, please indicate "Applicant - Search #14-041" in the subject line of the email.

Submit materials to:

Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy
Superintendent and Associate Professor of Entomology/Insect Ecology
Montana State University
Western Triangle Ag Research Center
9546 Old Shelby Rd
Conrad, MT 59425
Phone: 406-278-7707
Email: reddy@montana.edu

In order to receive Veterans Preference during the application review process, it is highly recommended that the required forms are included at the time you submit your application materials. Click here for the forms and information regarding Veterans Preference. Important note: Your preference form is submitted to a different location than your application materials. A DD214 is not a required document.