Researcher 2 - Plant Physiology

Researcher 2 - Plant Physiology
St. Paul Campus, In-Person Position
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Reporting To: Dr. Walid Sadok

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview:
A Research 2 position is available to support research that studies the physiology of crop plants in response to the environment to improve yield. Research will be conducted on a range of species including corn, soybean, wheat and other new crops for the region. Research will be conducted in controlled environment and field settings.

Duration of appointment: This is a full time appointment for 1 year.

Work Days: Monday - Friday, with some weekends
Total Hours or % Appointment = 100% (40 hours/week)
Position is one year with the possibility of following years of employment if performance is satisfactory and funding is available.

Work schedule is expected to be 9 am - 5 pm, with one hour lunch break, unless changes are necessary due to experimental needs of the project. Thus, occasional work may be necessary during early mornings and/or late evenings.

The incumbent must have excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills and must be proficient with Microsoft Office tools. This position requires ability to work independently, multi-task, and creative problem-solving is critical. The successful candidate is a key member of the team, s/he is expected to make intellectual and technical contributions to the group. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for this position.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

Research management 50%

• Attend lab meetings and anticipate workflow. Communicate effectively progress and findings in a timely fashion.
• Help design experimental protocols and execute research experiments.
• Conduct background literature search on relevant topics, including methods and protocols.
• Prepare soils and other media, grow and maintain plants in greenhouse and growth chamber as needed (watering, fertilization, plant protection).
• Monitor and keep track of environmental conditions during growth and measurements.
• Perform measurements including plant gas exchange, water use, phenology, development, sampling of tissue, microscopy, image analysis and biochemical assays.
• Help monitor and train undergraduate student workers and other team members if needed.

Equipment and data maintenance (25%)

• Manage and maintain equipment. Improve process efficiencies, trouble-shoot equipment and sensors in collaboration with manufacturers and suppliers.
• Order supplies, maintain inventories and equipment, ensure compliance with safety, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Keep detailed records of all experiments in laboratory notebooks, databases, spreadsheets and web-based applications.

Data analysis and reporting (25%)

• Conduct routine data analysis to quantify crop response to its environment and test differences among species and varieties.
• Present data during lab meetings and other professional settings.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience in agriculture or a combination of education and experience to equal 6 years. Degree should be in Plant Science, Plant Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, Ecology or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct statistically sound data analysis and write scientific reports.
• Evidence of good communication and collaboration skills. Evidence of being observant and detail-oriented, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Desired Qualifications

• Master of Science in Plant Physiology, Plant Biology, Pathology, Breeding, Agronomy, Ecology, or related fields.
• Computational/ programming skills.

Pay Range: $29.60 - $30.80 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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 Tuition Benefit Program
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required materials: resume, Preferred: include a cover letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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

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.

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