Research Associate

The Arthur Companies•Fargo, ND

About The Position

The Arthur Companies is seeking a motivated Research Associate for an operational role supporting its wheat breeding program and contract research organization. The position involves field, laboratory, and greenhouse or growth-facility research, including planning and preparing field trials, planting, plot maintenance, data collection, harvest, and post-harvest work. The successful candidate will bring strong communication skills and an interest in agronomy, genetics, plant breeding, and product testing. Analytical and statistical skills, greenhouse experience, and familiarity with the PRISM database are preferred. The role combines research execution, data analysis and reporting, technology integration, compliance, and record-keeping. It involves regular collaboration with other business units and may include working with temporary contract workers. Work takes place in office, laboratory, growth-facility, and outdoor field environments, with frequent travel to research sites and off-season travel to conferences and stakeholder meetings. The Arthur Companies is a privately owned, diversified agricultural business encompassing grain, agronomy services, birdseed, and fertilizer. Its tradition of customer service dates back to 1906.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
1–3+ years of experience in agricultural research or field trials preferred.
Currently hold or be able to obtain a CDL with a medical card.
Currently hold or be able to obtain a pesticide applicator's license.
Ability to operate a forklift.
Proficiency in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
Experience operating research field equipment and technologies such as GPS, mapping, and planting or harvesting software.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to lead small groups in performing tasks.
Attention to detail and ability to maintain high quality standards.
Ability to establish priorities, work independently and as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
Ability to travel to research sites, including frequent trailer towing, and to conferences and stakeholder meetings.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds or more.
Ability to perform the stated physical activities, including standing, climbing stairs, grasping, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand and wrist movements, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and moving between sitting and standing on the floor.
Ability to see at 20 inches or less and at 20 feet or more, with precise hand-eye coordination.
Ability to sustain concentrated attention.

Nice To Haves

Analytical and statistical skills.
Greenhouse experience.
Database management experience with PRISM.
1–3+ years of experience in agricultural research or field trials (preferred).

Responsibilities

Plan, design, package, and plant field trials to evaluate crop and product performance.
Maintain research locations using herbicide applications and agronomic practices.
Collect data on plant growth, disease reactions, and yield; operate a research combine; and perform hand harvest and quality-sample preparation.
Work with and manage temporary contract workers during busy, time-sensitive duties.
Grow plants in a greenhouse or growth facility for crossing and increases.
Use statistical software and analytical tools to assist with experiment analysis.
Help provide recommendations on product advancement and practical applications of research outcomes to farmers, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
Integrate technologies such as precision agriculture tools, predictive breeding, remote sensing, and data analytics into research programs.
Stay informed about developments in agronomy, crop science, and plant breeding.
Implement and manage a seed inventory system.
Ensure research activities comply with regulatory and safety standards.
Maintain accurate records of experiments, methodologies, and outcomes.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Assist with field trials and experiments, including equipment operation, planting, fertilizing, data collection, pest control, tissue sampling, and other agronomic practices.
Operate and maintain agricultural research equipment, including planters, sprayers, and harvesters.
Collect, organize, and process soil, plant, and environmental samples for laboratory analysis.