This tenure track position is located at Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC), which is a diversified crop and livestock research facility located seven miles southwest of Havre (pop. 9,400). Havre, MT offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, golfing, skiing and ice skating. Cultural attractions include museums, galleries, concerts and live theater. Historical attractions nearby include the Montana Dinosaur Trail, Bear Paw Battlefield, Fort Assinniboine, and the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump. Havre is a small town with a low crime rate, and is the focal point of commercial activity in the Hi-Line region. Also located in Havre, but not part of the research center, is Montana State University-Northern, north central Montana’s comprehensive university offering programs and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels.
The Cropping Systems Agronomist will develop and lead an applied, field-oriented research program that investigates the cultural practices of major commodity crops as well as potential alternative crops in northern Montana to enhance sustained production and economic potential. The Department seeks an individual who will identify cropping systems research needs through discussions with stakeholders. The research area may include economically sustainable wheat-based production systems in north central Montana and throughout the region, evaluating adaptation and management strategies for potential alternative crops, and applying precision agriculture technology to crop management and decision making. The cropping systems agronomist may also take advantage of the 400 head of range beef cattle at this facility and expand research into crop-livestock systems. It is expected that the cropping systems agronomist will work in collaboration with the existing wheat, barley, oilseed and pulse crop variety development and testing program at NARC, currently managed by a full-time research scientist. The incumbent is also expected to cooperate with other MSU and public-sector scientists, extension personnel, farmers, private industry, advisory groups and commodity organizations to develop research priorities and assist in developing management recommendations.
Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a closely related field, at time of hire
Documented experience in crop production and cropping systems research.
Demonstrated hands-on experience in planning, designing and implementing field research, and interpreting research results using accepted, innovative and strategic scientific methodology.
Demonstrated potential to write grant proposals and secure funding.
Excellent oral and written communication skills including a publication record of peer-reviewed journal articles and outreach materials commensurate with training and experience.
Mission: As the state’s land-grant university, Montana State integrates education, creation of knowledge and art and service to communities.
Vision: Montana State University will transform lives and communities in the people’s interest.
