South Dakota

State University

Research Associate

Plant Science Department

South Dakota State University

Plant Science Department at South Dakota State University invites applications for a Research Associate position. This is a non-faculty exempt, 100% research position with 12-month appointment renewable annually depending upon performance. The successful candidate will be a team member of the well-established and nationally-recognized soybean breeding and genetics program. He/she will work independently and corporately on and off campus with the soybean breeder, research manager/specialists, post-doc associates, graduate students and other professionals and partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will conduct research on soybean breeding and genetics, assist and report to the project leader in all aspects of the research program. The major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Field plot experiment and breeding nursery design, implementation and management, including planting, crossing and harvesting;

Seed house operation and maintenance, including seed processing, packaging, distributing and labeling for various trials;

Greenhouse operation and maintenance, including planting, crossing, and harvesting;

Lab operation and maintenance, including ordering equipment, chemicals and supplies;

Observation, data collection and analysis;

Coordination of all the field, greenhouse, seed house and laboratory activities, including part-time employees hiring and supervision;

Participation in grant proposal writing, preparing research reports/manuscripts, and professional presentation or publications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

B.Sc. in agronomy, crop science and/or related majors with three-year research experience, or M.Sc. in plant breeding and genetics and/or related specialties;

Good knowledge of plant breeding and genetics, experimental design and statistical analysis, plant physiology (growth and development), crop production and management;

Understanding of plant pathology, entomology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and agricultural machinery;

Effective oral and written English communication skills, good interpersonal skills, team spirit, self-motivation and initiative;

Result-oriented and open-minded, critical thinking and ability to solve problems in a timely manner;

Ability and flexibility to work independently and cooperatively, ability and willingness to work overtime and travel statewide during peak time, and ability and willingness to work in adverse environmental conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, and sunshine;

Ability to hand-lift and move a 50-pound pack;

Good computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Agrobase, etc;

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPEIENCE DESIRED/PREFERRED:

Demonstrated experience in practical plant breeding, especially in soybean research;

Hands-on experience in small research plots and field trials, including experience in operating agricultural machines and research equipments, such as planters, chemical sprayers, combines, cultivators, tillers, tractors, etc;

Experience in QTL mapping and DNA marker application.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefit package includes health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation/sick leave, and South Dakota State retirement plan.

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY:

SDSU is a land grant institution and the state's largest institution of higher education with an enrollment of approximately 12,816 students. Plant sciences have been at the core of South Dakota State University and the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences since the University’s inception in 1881. Today’s Department of Plant Science includes soil science, genetics/breeding, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and plant science. The Department provides strong undergraduate (leading to a B.S. in Agronomy) and graduate (leading to M.S. and/or Ph.D. in Plant Science) education. The department has outstanding research programs in area including crop breeding (spring wheat, winter wheat, soybeans, corn, sunflowers and other oilseeds, and forages),genetics, soil fertility, natural resource stewardship and conservation, precision farming, weed science, plant disease, entomology, and plant molecular biology. 

SDSU is located in Brookings, South Dakota, a community of approximately 22,100 near the east central border of South Dakota on Interstate 29. The city has an excellent K-12 education system, is accessible to major medical facilities, has an active cultural and social environment, and has numerous lakes and parks within driving distance. It is 50 miles north of Sioux Falls, a city of close to 150,000.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review will start on July 11, 2011; and continue until filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this posting.” The system will guide you through the electronic application form. The employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter addressing interest, experience and skills, resume, academic transcripts, and a list of three references (name, official address, phone number, and email address). Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

For questions on the position, contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Jixiang Wu, Phone: 605-688-5947; Fax: 605-688-4452; Email: Jixiang.Wu@sdstate.edu.

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff and students. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made at TTY (605) 688-4394. SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected class in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Administration 318, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

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