What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate I position at sdbor-sb?
The Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science department at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is searching for a creative and innovative professional who will be hired as a Research Associate I. We are looking to fill two positions. These positions will work on funded grants linked to on-farm research and coordinate activities across multiple organizations. The Research Associate I positions are located in Brookings, South Dakota and are 12-months, full-time, benefit-eligible positions. Dissemination of science-based knowledge to students, farmers, and the general public is a core mission of the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science and the Research Associate I will assist in meeting this goal. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:The Research Associate I will help the project complete funded contracts and grants. The responsibilities will include: preparing a project workplan; purchasing and testing the methods; conducting the project; statistically analyzing the results; and preparing a report. This position will also coordinate activities with producer groups, extension, graduate students, faculty members, farmers, nonprofit organizations, and teaching staff. The Research Associate I will also assist the department meet institutional objectives.BENEFITS:South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Master’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science or closely related field, completed by date of application;At least one year of experience working as an agronomist, graduate student in a related field, or research associate;Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering research programs;Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences that include farmer cooperators, researchers, university and industry research collaborators;Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;Effective problem-solving skills;Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills;Willingness to travel; andValid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Previous experience with on-farm research;Demonstrated experience or training in using Word and Excel, R, SAS, SigmaPlot, Surfer, SMS, QGIS, ADMS, Arc-Gis and Arc-Map, Yield Editor, and FOViewer;Demonstrated experience with data entry, data analysis and figure preparation, Ag Data Mapping;Experience with soil sampling, plant sample collection, field data collection, and harvesting of field plot experiments; andExperience in microbial community analysis.APPLICATION PROCESS:This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
