Research Technologist II

Job no: 608218
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 10
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Horticulture Anr 10002410
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: Clarksville
Categories: Full Time (90-100%), Clerical Technical- CT, Agriculture, Research/Scientific, Non-Union
Position Summary

This position provides technical support for the Tree Fruit Physiology Research Program in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University. Responsibilities include assistance to the program director and oversight of field and laboratory experiments including development of experimental designs and implementation of research trials related to horticultural management and physiological studies of tree fruit. Background in the operation and maintenance of laboratory and field instruments and equipment; preparation and application of plant growth regulator solutions, nutrients and pesticides; and measurement of growth and development of vegetative and reproductive organs including tissue presentation (fixative), sectioning, and quantitative and qualitative analyses of pre- and post-harvest fruit quality attributes. The successful candidate will collect, organize, and enter data in preparation for presentations. The successful candidate will also oversee ordering supplies, supervising temporary employees and undergraduate students, and coordinating activities to support graduate students, postdoctoral research associates, visiting scholars, and industry and faculty collaborators working within the research team.

The position is physically demanding and requires the ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions for extended periods to ensure the timely completion of research objectives.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related field; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience performing basic research techniques specific to the area of research employment such as: Tissue Culture, Analytical Research, Molecular Biology, Agriculture, Social Science, Physiology, Medical Research, etc., including the use and calibration of related equipment; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software;presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The job may require the appropriate pesticide applicator's registration/certification, and/or experience working with potentially dangerous research animals specific to the area of research employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Two or three years of related and expansive work experience in field and/or laboratory research techniques central to plant growth and regulation and crop production practices
• Experience operating farm equipment including tractors and implements, airblast sprayers, forklifts, and tree fruit specific machinery such as mechanical platforms, hedgers, etc.
• Experience in horticultural and plant physiological research techniques
• Experience running fruit sorting and packing lines
• Experience in pruning and training modern intensive high density apple orchards
• Experience operating micro-irrigation systems
• Proficiency in programming and operation of data loggers
• Experience supervising employees
• Proficiency in windows programs
• Excellent record keeping
• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills
• Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and within a diverse team environment
• Possession of a commercial pesticide application license
• Ability to occasionally lift 50 lbs and regularly lift up to 30 lbs

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Contact information for three references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Physical Demands

The position is physically demanding and requires the ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions for extended periods to ensure the timely completion of research objectives. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and regularly lift up to 30 lbs.

Summary of Health Risks

Respirator use with insecticide/pesticide application.

Advertised: Sep 18, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 24, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time