Description & Details:
Full-time Research Specialist position in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The successful candidate will assist in conducting applied agronomic research and winter wheat breeding by establishing research and demonstration plots, training students, organizing and analyzing data and managing part time employees. This will include, but not be limited to, assisting with field and greenhouse research and establish, manage, evaluate and select field and greenhouse grown material. Manage, perform, and maintain records for all aspects of field crop production; fertilization, crop and cultivar selection, tillage and planting operations, treatment applications, and harvest. Proper and safe operation of farm equipment, loading and towing trailered equipment, and use of power tools and equipment are critical components of maintaining a safe work environment. Also, all equipment should be maintained and improvements made to facilitate safety. The position includes training and supervision of student workers to assist in completion of project goals. Duties also require coordination and collaboration with other projects as well as groups in other departments and research centers to achieve research objectives, and interact with regional and USDA-ARS disease nursery coordinators. The candidate is expected to work in a team-oriented fashion and interact with a diverse group of students, interns, postdoctoral research associates, growers, and visitors.
Hiring Range:
$53,000 - $65,000
Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.
Minimum Qualifications:
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BS degree in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, or closely related field.
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Experience with crop production systems and the use of farm/research equipment.
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Ability to manage the daily functions of a wheat breeding project; working cooperatively with associates and student workers.
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Proficient operation and maintenance of farming equipment.
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Computer competence in Microsoft Pro suite of programs with experience using a statistical analysis package such as SAS.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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Work well with others including supervisory skills.
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Valid US driver license.
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Possess North Dakota Commercial Applicators License for field application with certification for greenhouse application, or ability to obtain one shortly after being hired.
Preferred Qualifications:
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MS degree in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, or closely related field
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Mechanical skills for simple equipment repairs.
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Prior supervisory experience.
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Prior experience managing field experiments.
Physical and Safety Demands:
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Work with farm equipment.
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Work with hazardous chemicals.
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Safely load equipment on trailer and transport to remote sites.
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Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
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Work outside under challenging weather conditions.
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Work longer hours on occasion to accomplish seasonal tasks of time-critical importance.
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Ability to travel to different sites in North Dakota and surrounding states.
Applicant Materials Required:
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Cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met
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Detailed curriculum vitae
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Unofficial transcript
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Contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.
Screening will begin:
July 25, 2026 and will continue until a suitable applicant is found.
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
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, [email protected].
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 [email protected].
