Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES- RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs experimental tests and assays, records and analyzes results in order to provide conclusive data for research projects
• Oversees laboratory/field Oversees laboratory/field supply needs and conducts the acquisition of materials, supplies and equipment
• Operates, calibrates and maintains laboratory/field instruments and equipment in order to ensure proper functioning, accuracy and compliance with written specifications, including operating UAV's in support of sponsored research projects.
• Assists with mentoring and training of lab personnel on use of analytical and field instrumentation, lab protocols, and codes used in lab
• Oversees and coordinates research conducted and laboratory/ field operations in order to meet national standards and maintain grant funding
• Compiles and summarizes results and participates in preparing figures, reports, manuscripts and articles for publication
• Maintains field and laboratory research data repositories, and does quality assurance on collected data
• Provides coordination leadership of logistics for field and lab operations
• Prepares and maintains internal procedures documents describing lab, field, and instrument protocols
• Ability to lift and carry field sampling equipment like soil probes, plant samples, soil samples, and equipment in and out of various field settings in potentially different weather conditions
• Ability to travel to local and surrounding farms, research locations, with the occasional long-distance trip within the state

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in crop and soil sciences, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, standard Earth and Environmental laboratory procedures, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed.

-Requires valid vehicle operator's license at the time of hire where needed to perform duties of the position. 

-Ability to conduct outdoor work in remote/rural locations in occasionally mildly disagreeable weather conditions.

-This position requires or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.

Desired Qualifications

The qualified applicant must demonstrate a strong and effective organizational attitude to working in a multifaceted research laboratory specializing in using digital technologies for sustainable agriculture and food systems.

• Experience in measuring and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon, water fluxes and phosphorus
• Proficient with Microsoft suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook
• Must be able to obtain FAA part 107 to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Effective written and verbal communication between the people within the immediate group and any potential collaboration between outside organizations.
• Enthusiasm about working in a diverse, collaborative, and connected group.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

CV

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension based on funding renewal.

Website

https://ees.natsci.msu.edu/

Bidding eligibility ends April 15, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.