Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25072 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Questions regarding application procedures may be directed to Charlene Kazmier at 406-994-4250 or charlene.kazmier@montana.edu Classification Title Working Title Assistant Professor – Agronomy *Conrad, MT* 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. WTARC consists of 75 acres of rain-fed and irrigated crop land. The research center is located 10 miles north of Conrad (pop. 2,800) and 70 miles north of Great Falls (pop. 60,422) in the agricultural production area known as the “Golden Triangle” of Montana. The Glacier National Park is about 1.5 hour’s drive from the research center and many more outdoor recreational sites nearby. In addition to on-station research, field-based on-farm research investigations are a priority for WTARC personnel, conducted in seven surrounding counties. Dryland crops in the region include winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, barley, oilseeds, and pulses. Crops on the 300,000+ irrigated acres in the region include malt barley, wheat, canola, and perennial forages. Research activities at WTARC include small grain, oilseed, and pulse crop variety evaluation, fertility management, and integrated pests such as wireworm, orange wheat blossom midge and wheat stem sawfly management. Infrastructure at WTARC includes a new climate-controlled greenhouse, research laboratories, plant and soil sample processing facilities, modern plot-scale research equipment for planting, pest control, harvesting, and soon, a new lateral move irrigation system for research. An advisory board consisting of area producers and industry representatives provides guidance on establishing WTARC research priorities. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank TT Position Number 4B5151 Department AES WTARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement Montana State University Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center is seeking a motivated individual to apply for a tenure-track assistant professor position (80% Research, 10% Teaching, and 10% Service) focused on agronomic research and outreach associated with cropping systems of the area. This person would be expected to contribute positively to the mission of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station ( MAES ). Montana State University values various perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building leaders in research. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. 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 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 the planning, designing and implementing of 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 various students, staff, colleagues, and external constituents. + Demonstrated leadership potential. The Successful Candidate Will + Help MSU continue to provide innovative and impactful agricultural field research. + 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 the 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 + Access the Departmental Role and Scope (https://ag.montana.edu/policies/rcrolescope19.html) , Incentive Program for Researchers (https://www.montana.edu/research/osp/ipr\_description.html) , and Faculty Handbook (https://www.montana.edu/policy/faculty\_handbook/) , for additional details relevant to this position. + 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. 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. Physical Demands The candidate must be able to: + Work in the field. + Navigate uneven terrain on foot. + Work in inclement weather. + Move up to 60 pounds on occasion. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program This field-oriented research program will evolve through utilizing the expertise of the successful candidate and input from stakeholders and collaborating researchers. The program focus could include examining economically sustainable production systems by evaluating adaptation and management strategies for potential alternative crops and rotations, investigating the impacts of biotic and abiotic factors within cropping systems practiced, examining the effects of unique rotations to enhance sustained crop quality and production, or applying technology to crop management and decision-making within new, intensified, and alternative cropping systems in Montana. The Department The Department of Research Centers represents a unique department with faculty and staff that conduct applied field research and outreach programs at seven off-campus research centers (Corvallis, Conrad, Creston, Havre, Huntley, Moccasin, Sidney) throughout Montana. The MAES Research Centers are located strategically to address regional needs for agricultural producers. Graduate students in the department work within on-campus departments (e.g., Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology or Land Resources and Environmental Science) to obtain their degrees. The College As the foundational component of Montana’s land grant university at Montana State University, the College of Agriculture ( COA ) and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station ( MAES ) provide instruction in dynamic degree programs and conduct research relevant to the challenges in Montana’s agricultural and natural resource communities. Montana State University set a record for expenditures on research in FY24 at more than $257 million, exceeding the prior year’s total by 12%, and among MSU’s academic colleges, the COA reported the largest research expenditure at $54.1 million. The COA is composed of seven departments and utilizes the entire state for its classroom and research endeavors. We create opportunities for students, staff and faculty to excel through hands-on learning, to serve through campus and community engagement, to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions and to connect Montanans with the global community through research discoveries and outreach. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date July 1, 2025 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on April 07, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Special Instructions 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). 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.