Research Specialist - Soil Science

Description & Details:

Dr. Tom DeSutter in the School of Natural Resource Sciences at North Dakota State University is hiring a research specialist. This position will serve as a critical team member conducting and communicating research related to soil science, especially remediation and reclamation of disturbed soils. As a productive and collaborative part of this team, there will be opportunities to conduct research, communicate its results in a variety of ways, and do develop new projects.

Specific duties include:

• Support research on soil science and agronomic projects.
  • Assist in the design of research projects.
  • Assist in the collection and organization of research data.
  • Assist in the logistics of research, including supervising personnel when needed.
  • Assist in the analysis and interpretation of research data.
  • Perform analytical quantification of soil attributes using ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometry.
  • Coordinate greenhouse research and logistics for experiments.
  • Operate and maintain GPS and field equipment (tractors, planters, seeders, trailers, EM survey tools, penetrometer).
• Communicate research.
  • Assist with communicating results to stakeholders through project updates and outreach materials.
  • Communicate scientific results through posters and presentations to stakeholders and scientists.
  • Assist with the development and publishing of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Develop new research projects and opportunities.
  • Identify funding opportunities for research and outreach activities.
  • Assist in developing relationships to pursue new projects and activities.
  • Assist in the administration and logistics of pursuing new projects.

The SNRS is a multi-disciplinary unit exploring entomology, natural resources management, rangeland science, and soil science. We work in collaboration to address research that can improve the livelihoods of North Dakota citizens while also contributing to the scientific community. Our faculty do both applied and fundamental research to address the needs of stakeholders in production agriculture to native systems, seeking common ground between the two. Together we are discovering and implementing solutions for healthy agriculture and natural resources.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time
• 12-month

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in in agriculture, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, biology, or a related field and five or more years’ experience in conducting research, training personnel, working in fields related to the remediation or reclamation of soils.
• Two or more years of analytical laboratory experience.
• Experience with soil science research centered on remediation or reclamation of disturbed soils.
• Experience communicating scientific results in different formats to multiple audiences.
• Experience operating farm equipment, that may include but limited to tractors, planters, seeders, and pulling trailers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in soil science OR progress towards an M.S.
• Experience mentoring and supervising.
• Experience with project and lab management duties (e.g., purchasing, safety, inventory).
• Proactive approach to learning new skills and professional development.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills.

Core Competencies:

• Functional knowledge/mastery in using MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• At least 5 years of experience operating a field crop tractor and planter.
• Functional knowledge/experience in operating satellite-based technologies.
• At least 5 yrs of experience loading and operating truck/trailer units to haul heavy (e.g. 20,000 lb) payloads.
• Demonstrated experience with agricultural field plot research.
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience associated with pesticide application techniques and equipment

Applicant Materials Required:

Please submit a cover letter which addresses the qualifications, CV or resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. Applicant screening will begin March 10, 2025. Feel free to reach out to Dr. DeSutter at thomas.desutter@ndsu.edu with any questions about the position.

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
  • Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
  • Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
  • Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
• Superb Retirement Plan
  • Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
• Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
• More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

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:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of 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. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

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.

We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region. (see www.ndsu.edu/inclusioncouncil/native_american_initiatives/).