Research Assistant III

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26441 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Mike Giroux

mgiroux@montana.edu

406-994-7877

Classification Title Research Asst III Working Title Research Assistant III Brief Position Overview

Perform quality testing to assist the MSU Breeding Programs develop improved varieties for Montana producers.

Position Number 4M0322 Department Plant Sciences Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary range of $19.468 - $23.23 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The two Research Assistant III positions are located in the Montana State University Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL). The CQL researches the end-use properties of cereal and pulse grains. Emphasis is on seed quality for wheat, barley, and pulses. Flour milling, bread, and noodle quality are also measured on wheat samples. The CQL cooperates with plant breeders, field technicians, researchers, and others to ensure that high quality varieties are released to growers. Additionally, the CQL is valuable in assisting with the development of new markets for Montana State wheat, barley, and pulse varieties.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Cereal Quality Lab manager, Prashant Kumar, the Research Assistant IIIs will perform the following duties:

• Catalog and clean all incoming samples;
• Measure and report whole seed composition;
• Measure milling yield and flour properties;
• Measure bread and noodle quality;
• Conduct various tests for department researchers and graduate students;
• Provide daily supervision, instruction and delegation of laboratory duties to student employees;
• Conduct tours of the Cereal Quality Laboratory to interested parties including children, farmers, college classes, professors, and/or legislators;
• Maintain a clean work area;
• Clean glassware and perform general maintenance of laboratory equipment;
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Two years post-secondary education or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Demonstrated competence utilizing computer equipment and computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, etc.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Degree in biology, plant science, botany or related field.
• Agricultural research experience.
• Working knowledge of quality standards for grain.
• Supervisory experience.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Establish and maintain effective working relations with a diverse group of co-workers in a team-oriented environment.
• Possess the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with co-workers.
• Prioritize workplace safety at all times.
• Consistently exercise initiative and good judgement.
• Be self-motivated and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Possess effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrate organizational and time management skills.
• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail.
• Communicate information, procedures, and directions clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrate competence maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Professionally represent the Cereal Quality Lab/MSU and its programs to others in a professional and courteous manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

• Duties are accomplished while standing for several hours at a time.
• Ability to effectively work with plant materials in a dusty and noisy environment while wearing appropriate safety equipment.
• Ability to maneuver incoming samples weighing up to 50 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on June 26, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).