Research Associate

The Arthur Companies•Fargo, ND

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our team. This is an operational role involving conducting field, laboratory, and greenhouse/growth facility research to work with our wheat breeding program and contract research organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the following: planning and preparing field trials, execution of planting, plot maintenance, data collection/note taking, harvest and post-harvest activities. Communication is very important as this is a small team that regularly interacts with other business units. Analytical/statistical skills, greenhouse, and database management (PRISM) preferred. This, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit to join a growing program and a passion for agronomy, genetics, plant breeding and product testing is who we're looking for to join our team.

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 trial preferred
Currently have or ability to obtain a CDL with a med card
Currently have or have ability to obtain pesticide applicators license
Ability to operate a fork lift
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
Assist in setting up and conducting 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
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
Ability to lead small groups of people in the performance of tasks
Pay attention to detail and manage work to high quality standards
Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision

Nice To Haves

Analytical/statistical skills
Greenhouse experience
Database management (PRISM)

Responsibilities

Plan, design, package and plant field trials to evaluate crop/product performance.
Assist in maintaining research locations through herbicide application and agronomic practices.
Collect data on plant growth, disease reactions, yield (research combine), hand harvest and quality sample preparation.
Working with and managing temporary contract workers to assist in busy, time sensitive duties.
Assist in growing plants in a greenhouse/growth facility for crossing and increases.
Use statistical software and analytical tools to assist in analyzing experiment results.
Assist in providing recommendations for product advancement and practical applications of research outcomes to stakeholders, including farmers and industry partners.
Integrate new technologies, such as precision agriculture tools or predictive breeding, remote sensing, and data analytics, into research programs.
Stay informed about advancements in agronomy, crop science and plant breeding to enhance research efforts.
Implement and manage seed inventory system.
Ensure all research activities comply with regulatory and safety standards.
Maintain accurate records of experiments, methodologies, and outcomes for transparency and reproducibility.
Other duties as assigned.