Montana State University
Assistant Professor – Agronomy *Conrad, MT*
Montana State University, Billings Metropolitan Area, Montana, United States
Special Instructions for more details.
This position is not eligible for NEW sponsorship.
To be considered in the pool, apply online by uploading the following:
Letter of application specifically addressing all the required and preferred qualifications.
Curriculum Vitae listing details of academic training, expertise area, work experience and employment history, publications and grant funds.
List of 5 references (at least two direct supervisors).
Brief Position Overview This tenure track position (FY 12‑month appointment) will be located at the Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center (WTARC) in Conrad, MT. WTARC is one of the seven off‑campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers. The research center is located 10 miles north of Conrad and 70 miles north of Great Falls in the agricultural production area known as the "Golden Triangle" of Montana. Fields at WTARC support a variety of crops including dryland and irrigated cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and perennial forage. Research activities include small grain, oilseed, and pulse crop variety evaluation, fertility management, and integrated pest management.
Duties and Responsibilities The research assignment of this position is expected to build a field‑oriented research program to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of dryland and irrigated crop production systems in the Golden Triangle area of Montana. Research areas may include nutrient management, irrigation and crop water use, and cropping systems for cereal, pulse, oilseed, and alternative crops. Precision agriculture technology and other specialized areas of agronomy may be explored to address the agronomic concerns of the “Golden Triangle”.
Opportunities exist to participate in graduate student mentoring, guest lecturing on campus, and collaboration with other faculty members on the MSU campus as well as other research centers. Securing extramural funds from the state, regional and national agencies as well as the agricultural industry will be expected to support the research program. Outreach to producers and other stakeholders and service to the Department, College, University, and scientific community are expected.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Ph.D. degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or related discipline at time of hire.
Demonstrated hands‑on experience in agronomic research, including planning, designing and implementing field research, and interpreting the research results using accepted scientific methodology.
Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed journal articles and outreach materials commensurate with training and experience.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Post‑doctoral experience.
Experience in crop nutrient management research.
Experience in dryland and irrigated crop production.
Documented grant writing skills and success in securing extramural funds.
Personal experience operating field research equipment such as tractors, seeders, and combines.
Demonstrated commitment to collaborating and engaging with students, staff, colleagues, and external constituents.
Demonstrated leadership potential.
The Successful Candidate Will
Help MSU continue to provide innovative and impactful agricultural field research.
Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.
Develop a successful and interdisciplinary agronomic field research and education program addressing the needs of producers in the Golden Triangle.
Have a proven ability to develop and maintain a research team.
Represent MSU and the Department of Research Centers in a professional and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Government Pesticide Applicator License. The license must be acquired within 3 months of hire.
Physical Demands
Work in the field.
Work in inclement weather.
Move up to 60 pounds on occasion.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date July 1, 2025
Applications will be Applications will be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Screening of applications will begin on April 07, 2025.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
FLSA Status Exempt
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
List of Five (5) Professional References
Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications
Optional Documents Optional documents may be included in the application.
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)..
#J-18808-Ljbffr
To be considered in the pool, apply online by uploading the following:
Letter of application specifically addressing all the required and preferred qualifications.
Curriculum Vitae listing details of academic training, expertise area, work experience and employment history, publications and grant funds.
List of 5 references (at least two direct supervisors).
Brief Position Overview This tenure track position (FY 12‑month appointment) will be located at the Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center (WTARC) in Conrad, MT. WTARC is one of the seven off‑campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers. The research center is located 10 miles north of Conrad and 70 miles north of Great Falls in the agricultural production area known as the "Golden Triangle" of Montana. Fields at WTARC support a variety of crops including dryland and irrigated cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and perennial forage. Research activities include small grain, oilseed, and pulse crop variety evaluation, fertility management, and integrated pest management.
Duties and Responsibilities The research assignment of this position is expected to build a field‑oriented research program to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of dryland and irrigated crop production systems in the Golden Triangle area of Montana. Research areas may include nutrient management, irrigation and crop water use, and cropping systems for cereal, pulse, oilseed, and alternative crops. Precision agriculture technology and other specialized areas of agronomy may be explored to address the agronomic concerns of the “Golden Triangle”.
Opportunities exist to participate in graduate student mentoring, guest lecturing on campus, and collaboration with other faculty members on the MSU campus as well as other research centers. Securing extramural funds from the state, regional and national agencies as well as the agricultural industry will be expected to support the research program. Outreach to producers and other stakeholders and service to the Department, College, University, and scientific community are expected.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Ph.D. degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or related discipline at time of hire.
Demonstrated hands‑on experience in agronomic research, including planning, designing and implementing field research, and interpreting the research results using accepted scientific methodology.
Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed journal articles and outreach materials commensurate with training and experience.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Post‑doctoral experience.
Experience in crop nutrient management research.
Experience in dryland and irrigated crop production.
Documented grant writing skills and success in securing extramural funds.
Personal experience operating field research equipment such as tractors, seeders, and combines.
Demonstrated commitment to collaborating and engaging with students, staff, colleagues, and external constituents.
Demonstrated leadership potential.
The Successful Candidate Will
Help MSU continue to provide innovative and impactful agricultural field research.
Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.
Develop a successful and interdisciplinary agronomic field research and education program addressing the needs of producers in the Golden Triangle.
Have a proven ability to develop and maintain a research team.
Represent MSU and the Department of Research Centers in a professional and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Government Pesticide Applicator License. The license must be acquired within 3 months of hire.
Physical Demands
Work in the field.
Work in inclement weather.
Move up to 60 pounds on occasion.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date July 1, 2025
Applications will be Applications will be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Screening of applications will begin on April 07, 2025.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
FLSA Status Exempt
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
List of Five (5) Professional References
Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications
Optional Documents Optional documents may be included in the application.
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)..
#J-18808-Ljbffr