Research Specialist in Weed Science with University of Minnesota in UMN St. Paul campus (Twin Cities)

The University also 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 Scholarship
– 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website (https://humanresources.umn.edu/questions-about-employment/benefits-summaries) for more information regarding benefits.

The successful candidate will help the Weed Science program at the University of Minnesota in field-based research activities that include but are not limited to field site preparation, planting, spraying herbicides and other pesticides, data collection, preparing reports, soil sampling, and harvesting. The operation and maintenance of farm machinery such as tractors, planters, combines, and sprayers, etc. are expected. The candidate will work with Dr. Debalin Sarangi and the graduate students, and help them in their research projects. This job requires working in an outdoor environment with varying weather conditions and with an occasional requirement of lifting heavy bags/containers of seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals. The candidate will acquire/maintain certification in the appropriate Minnesota Pesticide Applicator categories.

Job Duties:
– 40%: Coordinate and establish complex multi-step field research experiments and demonstration plots, apply treatments, collect data and process experimental samples. Operate, maintain, and calibrate equipment necessary to carry out research.
– 25%: Manage trial data with appropriate software, analyze data and tabulate and/or graph results and write comprehensive data summaries conferring with project supervisors and industry cooperators.
– 15%: Consult with supervisors and industry personnel to plan research trails including required personnel and station resources, experimental design and methods, specific
equipment and other supplies.
– 15%: Hire and supervise up to three undergraduate research assistants and assist with the training of graduate students.
– 5%: Manage a website for Weed Science research projects.

Required qualifications:
– B.S. degree in Weed Science, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or other related fields with two years of relevant experience, as defined below or a combination of education and work experience to equal six years
– Experience in field research techniques, and project management
– Experience using the computer and basic software and applications (emails, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, etc.)
– Effective verbal and written communication skills
– Commitment to the work of equity, diversity, inclusion, and a strong cultural competence

Preferred qualifications:
– Previous experience in Weed Science, Agronomy, or other related fields
– Experience in small-plot field research, data collection, and basic data analysis using a statistical software
– Experience with social media and in website designing and maintenance
– Experience in operating farm equipment such as tractors, sprayers, and combines
– Experience in herbicide and pesticide applications, handling, and sprayer calibration
– A valid US driver’s license
– Ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs., if needed

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.

Employment Requirements
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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax