Description & Details:
The Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology and Biotechnology at North Dakota State University welcomes applications for a Research Associate position. The successful applicant will: 1) develop/optimize molecular assays to detect and quantify plant-parasitic nematodes, viruliferous nematode populations and nematode vectors in fields, and characterize population diversity and phylogenetic relationships of plant-parasitic nematodes, 2) determine interactions between plant-parasitic nematodes and associated pathogens to understand their impact on crop health and yield, 3) sequence and analyze genome and transcriptome of important nematodes, and 4) identify genes for resistance to the nematodes and conduct gene functional analysis. Duties will also include: operating and maintaining equipment, maintaining laboratory supplies and biological resources, ordering laboratory supplies and reagents, tabulating and analyzing data, preparing summaries of results and manuscripts, assisting proposal preparation, and presenting research results in meetings. Other duties will include: supervising and training graduate students and temporary workers and interacting with personnel from other departments and institutions to promoting research collaborations. The appointment is for 12 months with extension possible depending on satisfactory performance and funding.
Work Schedule:
Monday thru Friday occasionally some weekends if necessary 8am-5pm
Hiring Range:
$50,000-$56,000 depending on experience
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:
PhD in Molecular Biology, Nematology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences or a related field earned before the start date; research experience in molecular biology; experience working with microorganisms or plants; ability to communicate effectively in English; ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in developing molecular procedures for detection of plant pathogens, acquisition and annotation of genome or transcriptome, identification of plant resistance or nematode parasitism genes, and whole-genome wide association mapping; experience with bioinformatics analysis and molecular techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, gene cloning and sequence analysis, primer and probe design, and gene functional analysis; experience with laboratory, greenhouse and field research; and good interpersonal skills.
Applicant Materials Required:
Application materials will include a letter describing how minimum and preferred qualifications are met, CV, names and contact information for three references, and copy of transcript from PhD program. Applicants must submit their application online at https://jobs.ndsu.edu.
Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Guiping Yan, Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, phone (701-231-7069) and email ([email protected]).
Screening will begin: 7/21/26
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
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100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
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Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
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Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
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Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
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Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
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Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
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Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
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Supportive work-life balance
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Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
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50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
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Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
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Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
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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.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity 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].
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.
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].
