Assistant Professor- Agronomy/Applied Soil Microbiology
Position Details
Position Information
| Announcement Number | FAC - VA - 16080 |
|---|---|
| Quick Link for Internal Postings | http://jobs.montana.edu:80/postings/4909 |
| For questions regarding this position, please contact: |
Dr. Pat Carr at patrick.carr@montana.edu or (406) 423-5421
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| Classification Title | |
| Working Title | Assistant Professor- Agronomy/Applied Soil Microbiology |
| Brief Position Overview |
Twelve-month appointment; tenure-track, 80% research, 20% teaching
MSU values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting, and building an inclusive and culturally diverse environment. |
| Faculty Tenure Track | Yes |
| Faculty Rank | Assistant Professor |
| Position Number | 4B3604 |
| Department | MAES Central Agricultural Research Center |
| Division | College of Agriculture/MAES |
| Appointment Type | Faculty |
| Contract Term | Fiscal Year |
| Semester | |
| If other, specify From date | |
| If other, specify End date | |
| FLSA | Exempt |
| Union Affiliation | Exempt from Collective Bargaining |
| FTE | 1.0 |
| Benefits Eligible | Eligible |
| Salary | Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications |
| Contract Type | MUS |
| If other, please specify | |
| Recruitment Type | Open |
Position Details
| General Statement |
Plant genetics and breeding at Montana State University is a multidisciplinary effort involving collaborative and cooperative research efforts of geneticists, molecular biologists, plant pathologists, nutritionists, food chemists, entomologists, agronomists, and a diverse and interested community of growers.
Montana State University values a broad array of experiences and perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally rich campus environment. We hope to attract applicants who can teach in a diverse university community and have demonstrated ability in helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed. In support of our strategic plan, which promotes access and respect, we enthusiastically encourage members of traditionally underrepresented groups to apply. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. |
|---|---|
| Duties and Responsibilities |
The position is 80% research, 10% teaching, and 10% service. The incumbent is responsible for developing a program that improves our understanding of microbial impacts on agronomic performance of important dryland field crops in central Montana. Evaluating the potential for seed- and/or soil-applied microorganisms to alleviate plant stresses, increase plant growth and yield for crops should be included in this effort. In addition, the successful candidate will manage the cereal crop variety testing program and will contribute to forage crop research efforts at the Central Agricultural Research Center . The successful individual will also provide expertise to other research programs in the Department, College and MAES as appropriate. The individual is expected to cooperate with other scientists, educators, farmers and related industries, advisory and commodity groups to develop research priorities and actively participate in developing recommendations for enhancing soil health and incorporating seed or soil microorganisms into cropping systems in central Montana. The person in this position will also provide expertise to other research programs in the Department, College, and MAES as appropriate. Securing extramural funds from state, regional and national grant programs as well as the agricultural industry, is required. Opportunities exist to participate in graduate student education. The position is expected to communicate research findings in oral and written formats, including refereed publications. Participation in outreach and service activities is expected.
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| Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills |
1. A completed Ph.D. in Agronomy, Microbiology or closely related discipline at the time of hire.
2. Demonstrated expertise in evaluation of effects of microorganisms on nutrient availability, plant growth, and yield and stress management.
3. Demonstrated experience in planning, designing and implementing field research, and interpreting research results using accepted, innovative and strategic scientific methodology.
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| Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills |
1. Experience in field crop variety evaluation.
2. Documented success in obtaining external grant support.
3. Experience in overall management and participation with a research team.
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| The Successful Candidate Will |
Have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate successfully with diverse groups; possess excellent written and oral communication skills; maintain effective attention to detail while meeting deadlines and prioritizing multiple projects; and develop an excellent research program. The successful candidate will also have an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of inclusiveness and diversity.
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| Position Special Requirements/Additional Information |
1. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license.
2. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Montana Government Pesticide Applicator License within six months of hire. 3. In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check. |
| Physical Demands |
This position will work in the field. The successful candidate must have the ability to navigate uneven terrain on foot, work around dust, seeds, and pollen, and work in inclement weather.
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| The Program | |
| The Department |
The Department of Research Centers represents a unique organizational unit with faculty and staff that conduct research and outreach programs at seven off-campus research centers throughout Montana. This position is located at the Central Agricultural Research Center in Moccasin, MT. The CARC is a diversified crops dryland research facility located in central Montana, seventy miles southeast of Great Falls. An advisory board made up of area producers and extension agents has provided guidance in the development of this position and will provide guidance for development of research and extension priorities.
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| The College |
As a land grant institution, Montana State University provides education, research, and extension/outreach programs focused to meet the changing needs of Montana. The College of Agriculture and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station generate and disseminate superior knowledge and technological solutions to increase the competitiveness of communities capturing value from Montana’s agricultural and natural resources, preserve environmental quality, and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.
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| This position has supervisory duties? | Yes |
| Comments |
Posting Detail Information
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
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| Desired Start Date | Upon a successful completion of the search. |
| Position End Date (if temporary) | |
| Open Date | |
| Close Date | |
| Applications will be: |
Screening of applications will begin on September 1, 2016; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
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| Special Instructions |
To apply, please submit 1) a cover letter describing how your training, expertise, and talents uniquely qualify you to fulfill each of the required and preferred qualifications for this position and 2) A current resume or curriculum vitae.
Please note, this position requires three to five professional references listed as part of your applicant profile.
Transcripts may be requested of the final candidate(s).
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| Diversity Statement |
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Montana State University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.
Montana State University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. 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. To request an accommodation, contact the Office of Human Resources, PO Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; recruitment@montana.edu.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: www2.montana.edu/policy/affirmative_action/. |
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter addressing Each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).