Research Professional 2 - Agricultural Research Support

This position will be a temporary, 6-month initial appointment with a hybrid work schedule.

Position Summary: Performs structured research-related work assignments requiring knowledge and experience in relevant discipline; still acquiring knowledge and skills. Builds unit-specific knowledge of processes and stakeholders. Analyze possible solutions to changes in research implementation and to fulfill research objectives using standard procedures with guidance and direction.

Responsibility for performing professional laboratory work and to carry out laboratory or field studies involving methods and techniques of the natural sciences. The Researcher 2 will be responsible for assisting with experimental design and plot designs of field trials. They will lead the establishment and maintenance of some field trials and related activities: plot labeling, planting, printing maps, preparing and adding fungal pathogen inoculum, plot weeding, and harvest. The Researcher 2 will also assist the lab with treatment applications including disease inoculum, amendments, pesticides, and organizing varieties for variety trials. The selected candidate must be detail-oriented and will be responsible for data collection on disease symptoms and agronomics and data entry and organization. In the fall, the individual will assist with writing Plant Disease Management Reports and manuscripts for the projects they help to manage. This person will also assist with lab studies and will preparations for field season (ordering seed, designing plot plans, acquiring treatments etc.).

Job Duties

• (30%) Assist in designing research projects; independently plan and perform complex, multi-step experimental analyses; record all experimental protocols and data; organize and interpret experimental results.
• (20%) Perform experiments and analyze experimental samples. Responsible for generating, recording, and analyzing data.
• (15%) Provide presentations reporting data and scientific findings.
• (10%) Run sample analyses. Prepare and run samples on various instruments and cleaning equipment.
• (10%) Oversee the use of laboratory and field equipment, training personnel/volunteers and maintaining equipment as needed.
• (5%) Perform everyday tasks such as laboratory cleanup (using aseptic technique), replenishing supplies as needed, remove hazardous and chemical waste.
• (10%) Prepare for field and lab work by purchasing appropriate equipment and supplies. Organize and set up equipment for research projects.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS with at least 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years;
• Current US driver's license
• Ability to work in an agricultural field setting (ability to lift 40 lbs and use a soil probe/shovel)
• Attention to detail and care with data collection
• Ability to work in collaboration with diverse backgrounds and a desire to foster a positive work environment
• Willingness to become a certified pesticide applicator for MN after starting the position
• Interested in plant disease management and fungal ecology; position involves comparing, verifying and reconciling data to help department achieve overall objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in field research methods such as soil and plant tissue sampling
• An educational background in plant pathology, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, plant sciences, or a related field
• Proficiency in statistical analysis
• Mentoring experience
• Previous experience in report and/or manuscript writing
• Experience with field research experimental design and research support (may include plot establishment, planting, weed control, pesticide spraying, etc.)
• Work experience in plant pathology or agriculture and/or an MSc. degree are desired but not required.

Pay Range: $24.97 - $26.64; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).