Montana State University

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25065

For questions regarding this position, please contact: 

Charlene Kazmier

charlene.kazmier@montana.edu

(406) 994-4250

Classification Title 

Working Title Assistant Professor – Weed Science *Huntley, MT*

Brief Position Overview 

This 12-month tenure track position (80% research, 10% teaching, and 10% service) will be located at the Southern Agricultural Research Center (SARC) near Huntley, MT. SARC is one of seven off-campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers. SARC consists of 462 irrigated and dryland acres and is well-equipped with modern field plot equipment, laboratory equipment, facilities, and greenhouse space. Major commodities grown in the region include cereals, sugar beets, corn, oilseeds, pulse crops, and forages. The research center is located 20 miles east of Billings, the largest metropolitan city in Montana, and 160 miles east of Bozeman and the main campus of Montana State University. Estimated monthly cost-of-living (Dec 2024) for a single-family unit renting in Billings is $1773, which is within the lower 20% of comparable communities within the region (https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states/mt/billings).

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank TT

Position Number 4B1020

Department AES SARC

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

General Statement 

The Southern Agricultural Research Center is seeking a motivated individual to coordinate and conduct research focused on weed species 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 varied perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally rich campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesA successful candidate will develop an applied, field-oriented research program focused on weed management strategies associated with crops and cropping systems of the region with an emphasis on irrigated row crops and cereal production. An integrated approach to developing weed control strategies while reducing the risk of developing herbicide resistance is expected.

Cooperation with MAES weed scientists, private industry, other research/extension personnel, farmers, and related commodity groups will be necessary to develop research priorities.

Opportunities exist to mentor graduate students.

80% research, 10% teaching, and 10% service.

1. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
2. Ph. D. in weed science or related discipline at the time of hire.
3. Knowledge of weeds, weed biology, herbicides, and integrated weed management with a demonstrated experience in field crop production.
4. Expertise in planning, designing, and implementing field research and interpreting research results using accepted scientific methodology.
5. Demonstrated experience in communicating verbally and in. writing with scientists through peer-reviewed scientific publications
6. Hands-on experience applying experimental pesticides.
7. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
8. Documented grant writing skills.
9. Post-doctoral experience and/or commercial weed control experience.
10. Knowledge and/or experience in the molecular characterization of herbicide resistance of weed species.
11. Experience interacting with producers, ag professionals, and other clientele at field days, conferences, and/or crop management schools.
12. Experience with precision ag technologies.

The Successful Candidate WillBe a dynamic scientist and educator who will:

• Produce written articles for publication on a regular basis.
• Obtain external grants to fund research activities.
• Lead and work successfully with a diverse group of people.
• Educate stakeholders through presentations and written materials.
• Exercise initiative and good judgement.
• Communicate effectively with others.
• Manage time efficiently and be detail oriented.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with others.
• 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, Incentive Program for Researchers, and 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.)
• They 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 is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but is 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 DemandsThe 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

The Department

The CollegeAs 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. 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. The COA offers eleven baccalaureate, nine masters, and four doctoral degree programs from five departments and one division. MAES conducts research through the Department of Research Centers (Corvallis, Conrad, Creston, Havre, Huntley, Moccasin, Sidney), in collaboration with other academic departments, near Bozeman, and throughout Montana.

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 March 1, 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:

1. A letter of application specifically addressing all of the above required and preferred qualifications.
2. A current curriculum vitae.

EEO StatementMontana 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

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