Research Assistant II

Research Assistant II

Put your laboratory skills to work improving the wheat and pulse crops grown across Montana. The Research Assistant II conducts grain and end-use quality testing, from milling to bread and noodle evaluation, that helps Montana State University breeders identify the best new varieties for Montana producers. This is a full-time, hands-on laboratory position that requires standing for long hours.

Join the Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL) in Montana State University's Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology and help develop the next generation of wheat, barley, and pulse varieties. The laboratory evaluates grain composition, seed quality, and end-use performance. It connects plant breeding with the qualities that matter most to growers, processors, and consumers.

Under the supervision of Cereal Quality Lab Manager Prashant Kumar, the Research Assistant II will perform the following duties: Receive, catalog, and clean incoming grain samples from breeding programs; Measure and report whole seed composition; Measure milling yield and flour properties; Evaluate bread and noodle quality through test baking and end-use testing; Conduct quality tests for department researchers and graduate students; Stand for long hours while performing repetitive laboratory tasks that require frequent use of hands and fingers, including handling grain samples, weighing, pipetting, operating laboratory equipment, and preparing samples for analysis; Train, supervise, and direct the daily laboratory work of student employees; Lead tours of the Cereal Quality Laboratory for visitors, including children, farmers, college classes, professors, and legislators; Maintain a clean work area; Clean glassware and perform general maintenance of laboratory equipment; Other related duties as assigned.

Two years post-secondary education or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Demonstrated competence utilizing computer equipment and computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, etc.

Degree in biology, plant science, botany or related field. Agricultural research experience. Working knowledge of grain quality standards.

Have an interest in crop improvement and the quality of wheat, barley, and pulse crops. Be eager to learn laboratory methods and develop proficiency in grain and end-use quality testing. Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Prioritize workplace safety and consistently exercise initiative and sound judgment. Be self-motivated, organized, and able to manage priorities and complete tasks with minimal supervision. Perform laboratory tasks with accuracy and close attention to detail, and maintain complete, reliable records. Communicate results, procedures, and instructions clearly through effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication. Maintain confidentiality of records and information. Represent the Cereal Quality Laboratory and Montana State University professionally and courteously.

Duties are accomplished while standing for several hours at a time. Ability to effectively work with plant materials in a dusty and noisy environment while wearing appropriate safety equipment. Ability to maneuver incoming samples weighing up to 50 pounds.

Number of Vacancies - 1

Screening of applications will begin on November 9th, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

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

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter