Founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of eight academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 14,000 students, including approximately 1,900 graduate students. MSU is classified as one of 108 U.S. Research Universities (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation.

This leadership and scientist position is located at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center (EARC) 1 mile north of Sidney, MT. Sidney, known as the “Sunrise City” is located in the Lower Yellowstone River Valley. Recreational activities include golf, swimming, hockey, tennis, baseball, fishing, hiking, kayaking, hunting, and agate hunting. The surrounding area is rich with historic sites and national and state parks. Sidney and the region are experiencing a boom due to the development of the Bakken oil formation. Sidney is expected to double in size to over 10,000 residents within the next five years, making for exciting times in NE Montana.

The Department of Research Centers represents a unique organizational unit with faculty and staff that conduct research and outreach programs at seven off-campus research centers throughout Montana. This is a transformational period for the Department with other faculty searches underway in cropping systems and animal nutrition at another research center and discussions underway regarding future positions at other centers.

The agricultural production area served by EARC involves ten Montana counties bordering North Dakota known as the Mondak region. EARC has 120 acres of irrigated and 40 acres of rainfed cropland. Additional research activities are performed at off-station locations in the region that enhance the EARC enterprise. The research center recently completed a $2.8 million building improvement program including new offices, meeting rooms, laboratories and greenhouse spaces. The facility is presently equipped with field and laboratory research equipment, storage facilities and a seed processing lab. The facility also houses the Richland County Extension Office. In addition, the USDA ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory is located nearby with a rich history of collaborative research programs. There are opportunities to collaborate with scientists on the main campus and other research centers. EARC is currently staffed by MAES-funded faculty, administrative and support research personnel and others are supported through external funds. Dryland crops include winter and spring wheat, durum wheat, barley, oilseed and legume crops. Irrigated crops include sugar beets, malt barley, dry edible beans and alfalfa. A local advisory board made up of area producers and industry representatives provides guidance on establishing EARC research priorities.

Additional information about the Department of Research Centers and EARC may be found by accessing MSU's College of Agriculture web page at ag.montana.edu/maes.htm.

The person in this position will have the option of living in an updated single family home located on EARC property for a reasonable monthly rental rate.

The position is 65% research, 25% administration, and 10% outreach. The incumbent is responsible for the development of a field-oriented research program that focuses on disease management in pulse crops, sugar beets, and other crops under production in this Montana region. The successful individual will also provide expertise to other research programs in the Department, College and MAES as appropriate. Developing an integrated approach for disease management is expected.

Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for the administration and management of resources in support of EARC's research and outreach programs pertinent to Montana agriculture. Administrative duties will include budget development and prioritization of state and Federal appropriations, general operations and maintainance of existing MAES facilities and equipment, management of commercial crop production and sales, research center personnel management related to general operations of the facility and general oversight of new construction and renovations. As Superintendent, this individual will assist with evaluation of EARC staff and serve as an advocate for MAES and the research center.

The individual is expected to cooperate with other scientists, educators, farmers and related industries, advisory and commodity groups to develop research priorities and actively participate in developing recommendations for management of pulse crops, sugar beet and other crop diseases. The person in this position will also provide expertise to other research programs in the Department, College, and MAES as appropriate. Securing extramural funds from state, regional and national grant programs as well as the agricultural industry, is required. Opportunities exist to participate in graduate student education. The position is expected to communicate research findings in oral and written formats, including refereed publications. Participation in outreach and service activities is expected.

1. A completed Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or closely related discipline at the time of hire.
2. Demonstrated expertise in plant disease management of field crops.
3. Demonstrated experience in planning, designing and implementing field research, and interpreting research results using accepted, innovative and strategic scientific methodology.
4. Post-doctoral experience in agricultural crop disease management.

1. Documented grant writing success.
2. Experience with disease management in pulse crops and/or sugar beets.
3. Experience in overall management and participation with a research team.

The successful candidate will have great interpersonal skills and will be an excellent communicator with the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with scientists, farmers, and other agricultural clientele. He or she will be a natural leader and collaborator who will catalyze research team efforts at EARC and with the entire MAES system. New opportunities will be created to enhance research and outreach programs with potential impact throughout the region and State.

• (1) a signed letter of application describing how their training, expertise, and talents uniquely qualify them to fulfill the required and preferred qualifications for this position, and
• (2) a resume or curriculum vitae, and
• (3) unofficial transcripts of all university academic work (official transcripts will be required at time of hire), and
• (4) the name, mailing address, email addresses, and phone number of four (4) professional references.

  An application packet addressing all the above requirements and qualification as listed is highly encouraged. Missing materials and information may not be requested and may result in your application not being considered for the position.

  Electronic submissions in PDF format are preferred, and must have the applicant's signature on the letter of application. For electronic submittals, please indicate "Applicant - Search #12229-2" in the subject line of the email.

  • Submit materials to:
  • Ms. Krisi Steinmetz
  • MSU Department of Research Centers
  • 748 Railroad Hwy
  • Huntley MT 59307
  • (406)348-3415
  • krisi.steinmetz@montana.edu
    • Questions regarding the position may be directed to:
    • Dr. Joyce Eckhoff, Committee Chair
    • MSU Eastern Agricultural Research Center
    • 1501 N Central Ave
    • Sidney MT 59270
    • (406)433-2208
    • joyce.eckhoff@montana.edu

      In order to receive Veterans Preference during the application review process, it is highly recommended that the required forms are included at the time you submit your application materials. Click here for the forms and information regarding Veterans Preference. Important note: Your preference form is submitted to a different location than your application materials. A DD214 is not a required document.