Research Associate

The Arthur Companies Inc•Fargo, ND

11d

About The Position

The Research Associate is an operational role supporting The Arthur Companies’ wheat breeding program and contract research organization. The position conducts field, laboratory, and greenhouse/growth-facility research, including planning and preparing field trials, planting, plot maintenance, data collection, harvest, and post-harvest activities. The role works closely with a small team and other business units, and calls for strong communication, attention to detail, safety practices, and an interest in agronomy, genetics, plant breeding, and product testing. The Research Associate helps analyze and report experiment results, supports recommendations about product advancement and research applications, and incorporates technologies such as precision agriculture tools, predictive breeding, remote sensing, and data analytics into research programs. The position also maintains seed inventories, records, and compliance with regulatory and safety standards. Work is conducted across office, laboratory, growth-facility, and outdoor field settings, with travel to research sites and off-season conferences and stakeholder meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
Currently have or be able to obtain a CDL with a medical card.
Currently have 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 with research field equipment operation and technologies such as GPS, mapping, and planting/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 manage work to 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 off-season conferences and stakeholder meetings.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

1–3+ years of experience in agricultural research or field trials is preferred.
Greenhouse experience, analytical/statistical skills, and database management experience with PRISM are preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, package, and plant field trials to evaluate crop and product performance.
Maintain research locations through herbicide application and agronomic practices.
Collect data on plant growth, disease reactions, and yield; conduct hand harvest and prepare quality samples.
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 analyzing experiment results.
Assist in providing recommendations for 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 advancements in agronomy, crop science, and plant breeding.
Implement and manage the seed inventory system.
Ensure research activities comply with regulatory and safety standards.
Maintain accurate records of experiments, methodologies, and outcomes to support transparency and reproducibility.
Set up and conduct 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, such as planters, sprayers, and harvesters.
Collect, organize, and process soil, plant, and environmental samples for laboratory analysis.
Perform other duties as assigned.