Research Associate

For questions regarding this position, please contact: Brief Position Overview The Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Precision Agriculture Program at Montana State University seeks a motivated and skilled Research Associate to support a statewide initiative focused on variable rate fertilizer (VRF) adoption and validation in Montana cereal production systems. The position will be housed at an MSU‑affiliated facility. Specific placement can be negotiated based on available capacity and program needs, including options such as MSU’s main campus in Bozeman or one of the agricultural research centers (e.g., NARC). The successful candidate will work directly with producers, MSU faculty, Extension personnel, and crop consultants to implement variable rate nitrogen studies, collect and analyze spatial data, generate management zones, develop VRF prescriptions, and support field‑scale research across diverse Montana environments. This role is central to advancing data‑driven fertilizer recommendations, improving nitrogen use efficiency, and supporting soil health and profitability across Montana agriculture. Duties and Responsibilities Coordinate and implement on‑farm variable rate fertilizer research studies across Montana in collaboration with participating producers and MSU researchers. Collect and manage spatial datasets including yield monitor data, soil sampling data, terrain attributes and remote sensing imagery to support VRF prescription development. Assist in generating management zones and creating application‑ready VRF maps in formats used by industry such as SMS, shapefiles and ISO XML. Conduct soil sampling following project protocols and coordinate with analytical laboratories for depth‑specific nutrient analysis. Support evaluation of agronomic, environmental and economic outcomes of VRF adoption including yield responses, nitrogen use efficiency and profitability comparisons against uniform rate controls. Serve as a primary point of contact for collaborating producers by assisting with equipment setup, data transfer and field implementation of VRF strips. Assist MSU faculty and Extension agents in delivering outreach activities such as field days, VRF workshops, producer trainings and creation of decision support materials. Contribute to progress reports, peer‑reviewed publications, Extension fact sheets and presentations summarizing research outcomes. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy, soil science, precision agriculture or a closely related field. Experience working in agricultural field operations or on‑farm applied studies. Documented experience with large farm operations including equipment, logistics or field‑scale activities. Ability to work directly with agricultural producers and communicate technical information clearly. Strong written and oral communication skills for interactions with researchers, Extension personnel, research center staff and producers. Documented experience working alone or in a team environment to accomplish tasks and desired work outcomes. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Master of Science degree in precision agriculture, agronomy, environmental sciences, data science or a related field. Familiarity with spatial data used in precision agriculture including yield maps, soil datasets, remote sensing imagery and geospatial layers. Experience generating or interpreting variable rate fertilizer prescriptions and management zones. Experience with geospatial analysis software such as SMS, QGIS, John Deere Operations Center, ArcGIS or Google Earth Engine. Knowledge of experimental design, spatial statistics and yield data processing workflows. The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple active field projects. Communicate effectively with producers, consultants, Extension agents, scientists and stakeholders across diverse agricultural disciplines. Understand and follow detailed written and oral research protocols established by MSU. Establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team‑oriented environment that includes faculty across the MSU College of Agriculture, county agents, industry partners and producers. Show initiative, independence and a willingness to work in field conditions across varied Montana cropping systems. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding. Evenings and/or weekend work will be required as dictated by season, weather and deadlines. Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If the successful candidate possesses a valid out‑of‑state license, must obtain a valid Montana license within 60 days of hire.) Physical Demands Be able to work around dust and pesticides. Work in extreme weather conditions. Be able to enter, exit and operate numerous types of research and farm equipment unassisted. EEO Statement Montana 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. Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). #J-18808-Ljbffr