Ag Research Technician (X. Li Underwood)

The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a full-time, temporary Agricultural Sciences Research Technician in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The successful candidate will assist on a grant-supported project to improve sunflower genetic resources for resistance to basal stalk rot and head rot diseases caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Due to the temporary duration of the grant period, this will be a temporary appointment with the length of appointment extending not beyond June 30, 2025. The individual in this position will assist with conducting greenhouse-based disease evaluations of sunflower germplasm resources and genetic mapping populations. Additionally, the successful candidate will contribute to the establishment of field plots for disease trials including preparation of seeds and field equipment, planting of plots, weed removal for plot maintenance, and inoculation of plots to establish disease pressure. The successful candidate will also carry out laboratory-based work to isolate DNA from plant tissues for genotyping of mapping populations. Other duties include maintaining greenhouses, equipment, and supplies in clean and orderly condition, entering and analyzing data from disease trials, and preparing charts, figures, and other data displays in consultation with project directors. The successful candidate will be expected to work productively in a diverse team environment with other technical staff, graduate students, interns, and stakeholders and to observe laboratory, greenhouse, and field safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Biology, Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience with plant growth in a greenhouse environment.
• Microbiological experience such as culturing bacteria or fungi.
• Laboratory experience working with DNA.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software programs and knowledge of basic statistical methods.
• Ability to work and communicate well in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience carrying out greenhouse, laboratory, or field-based research.
• Knowledge of experimental design relating to greenhouse and field experiments.
• Experience with plant-pathogenic microorganisms.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional work with farm equipment.
• Occasional work outside under challenging weather conditions.

Advertised Salary: $50,000 /year

Screening Date: February 4, 2025 or until filled.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Unofficial transcript.
• Contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.