Careers @ MSU

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

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In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Position Summary:

Michigan State University Extension is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support applied research, Extension programming, and educational outreach in viticulture and specialty fruit crops. The successful candidate will assist with research projects related to vineyard management, grapevine cold hardiness, precision viticulture, robotics and sensing technologies, integrated pest management, and sustainable fruit production. Responsibilities will include field and laboratory research support, data collection and entry, educational events, demonstrations, and development of Extension publications and outreach materials. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with growers, researchers, Extension educators, and industry partners while contributing to innovative research and outreach programs across Michigan.

The Research Assistant will support a broad range of research and Extension activities within the Michigan State University Extension Viticulture and Fruit Crops Program. Responsibilities may include assisting with applied research projects in viticulture and specialty fruit crops; supporting ongoing research in grapevine cold hardiness, precision viticulture, robotics and artificial intelligence applications for early disease detection, vineyard management, sustainable production systems, and integrated pest management; assisting with field plot establishment, maintenance, sampling, data collection, laboratory activities, and data entry; helping organize and conduct Extension meetings, grower workshops, field days, demonstrations, and educational programs; assisting with development of Extension publications, newsletters, fact sheets, videos, social media content, and educational materials; participating in data analysis, literature reviews, report preparation, and manuscript development; assisting with operation and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment; working collaboratively with MSU faculty, Extension educators, students, growers, and industry partners; and performing additional research and Extension activities as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge equivalent to an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or higher degree in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, engineering, biology, computer science, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Ability to perform outdoor field work under varying weather conditions.
• Experience with statistical software, GIS, programming, drones, sensors, artificial intelligence, robotics, or image analysis is desirable but not required.
• Experience or interest in agricultural research, horticulture, viticulture, specialty crops, engineering, robotics, precision agriculture, data science, or Extension programming is desirable.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
•  Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Required application materials:

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

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.

Work Hours

ON-CALL