The Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University (NDSU) seeks applications for a Research Specialist position to assist in all phases of research on Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat, durum, and barley. FHB is the most economically-important disease of small grains in North Dakota. The department conducts research in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory to: 1) assist NDSU small grain breeding programs with the development of disease-resistant germplasm and varieties of hard red spring wheat, hard red winter wheat, durum, and barley for the state and region, 2) develop efficient and environmentally-friendly disease management tools for use by producers, and 3) advance our scientific understanding of FHB and the pathogen that causes the disease. This is full-time, 12-month position that carries full NDSU benefits (i.e., retirement, family health care, vacation and sick time, and partial tuition waivers for the employee and legal family).
The successful applicant will work under the direction of wheat and barley pathologists supervised by the department head. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to following established protocols under direction of faculty to: 1) produce inoculum for field- and greenhouse-based FHB experiments, 2) assist the planting and maintenance of departmental FHB field plots, 3) assist or perform disease evaluations of plants inoculated with the pathogen that causes FHB in the field and greenhouse, and 4) work with the pathogen in the laboratory.
Minimum qualifications include: 1) B.S. in plant pathology, agronomy, plant breeding, or closely related field, 2) an undergraduate course in plant pathology, or equivalent, and 3) excellent communication and organizational skills.
Preferred qualifications include: 1) a graduate degree (including a Ph.D.) in plant pathology, plant breeding, or closely-related field, 2) two years of successful experience working with FHB, 3) successful experience with field plot research including use of field equipment, and 4) successful experience working either in the greenhouse and/or in a research laboratory setting.
Salary: Competitive wage depending upon experience
Required Materials: Cover letter and Resume
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.