Research Associate I

Research Associate I Bookmark this Posting Print Preview Apply for this Job Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Research Associate I Posting Number NFE02088P Department SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text The Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science department at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is searching for a creative and innovative professional who will be hired as a Research Associate I. We are looking to fill two positions. These positions will work on funded grants linked to on-farm research and coordinate activities across multiple organizations. The Research Associate I positions are located in Brookings, South Dakota and are 12-months, full-time, benefit-eligible positions. Dissemination of science-based knowledge to students, farmers, and the general public is a core mission of the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science and the Research Associate I will assist in meeting this goal. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Research Associate I will help the project complete funded contracts and grants. The responsibilities will include: preparing a project workplan; purchasing and testing the methods; conducting the project; statistically analyzing the results; and preparing a report. This position will also coordinate activities with producer groups, extension, graduate students, faculty members, farmers, nonprofit organizations, and teaching staff. The Research Associate I will also assist the department meet institutional objectives. BENEFITS: South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science or closely related field, completed by date of application; At least one year of experience working as an agronomist, graduate student in a related field, or research associate; Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering research programs; Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences that include farmer cooperators, researchers, university and industry research collaborators; Demonstrated organizational and time management skills; Effective problem-solving skills; Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; Willingness to travel; and Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience with on-farm research; Demonstrated experience or training in using Word and Excel, R, SAS, SigmaPlot, Surfer, SMS, QGIS, ADMS, Arc-Gis and Arc-Map, Yield Editor, and FOViewer; Demonstrated experience with data entry, data analysis and figure preparation, Ag Data Mapping; Experience with soil sampling, plant sample collection, field data collection, and harvesting of field plot experiments; and Experience in microbial community analysis. APPLICATION PROCESS: This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at if you require assistance with this process. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Posting Date 07/14/2023 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 08/30/2023 Advertised Salary The base salary for this position is $42,453. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours 40 hours a week and the amount of time traveling could be irregular. Some weeks the entire week could be traveling, whereas other weeks the person would be in Brookings. MS degree in agronomy or soil science is required in addition to 2 years of experience working as an agronomist or research associate Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: . Contact Information For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Janet Miller at or . Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication Protective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Balancing, Driving, Lifting moderate Describe any of the conditions selected Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Depth Perception, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses) Working Conditions & Exposures Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Changes of Temperature, Exposure to Dust, Extreme Heat >100F, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc) Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Farm or Grassland Environment, Greenhouse Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment, Outdoors Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( ). Where did you hear about this position? SDBOR Employment Site South Dakota Department of Labor Employee Referral Department Announcement / Inside State Handshake Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify Industry Conference Search Engine - Please specify Employment Agency - Please specify Newspaper - Please specify Chronicle of Higher Education Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify Radio - Please specify APLU List Servs - Please specify Alumni Other - Please specify Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Reference List Optional Documents