Assistant Professor – Agronomy *Conrad, MT*

The research assignment of this position is expected to build a field-oriented research program to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of dryland and irrigated crop production systems in the Golden Triangle area of Montana. Research areas may include nutrient management, irrigation and crop water use, and cropping systems for cereal, pulse, oilseed, and alternative crops. Precision agriculture technology and other specialized areas of agronomy may be explored to address the agronomic concerns of the “Golden Triangle”.

Opportunities exist to participate in graduate student mentoring, guest lecturing on campus, and collaboration with other faculty members on MSU campus as well as other research centers. Securing extramural funds from the state, regional and national agencies as well as the agricultural industry will be expected to support the research program. Outreach to producers and other stakeholders and service to the Department, College, University, and scientific community are expected.

This field-oriented research program will evolve through utilizing the expertise of the successful candidate and input from stakeholders and collaborating researchers. The program focus could include examining economically sustainable production systems by evaluating adaptation and management strategies for potential alternative crops and rotations, investigating the impacts of biotic and abiotic factors within cropping systems practiced, examining the effects of unique rotations to enhance sustained crop quality and production, or applying technology to crop management and decision-making within new, intensified, and alternative cropping systems in Montana.

The Department of Research Centers represents a unique department with faculty and staff that conduct applied field research and outreach programs at seven off-campus research centers (Corvallis, Conrad, Creston, Havre, Huntley, Moccasin, Sidney) throughout Montana. The MAES Research Centers are located strategically to address regional needs for agricultural producers. Graduate students in the department work within on-campus departments (e.g., Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology or Land Resources and Environmental Science) to obtain their degrees.

As the foundational component of Montana’s land grant university at Montana State University, the College of Agriculture (COA) and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) provide instruction in dynamic degree programs and conduct research relevant to the challenges in Montana’s agricultural and natural resource communities. Montana State University set a record for expenditures on research in FY24 at more than $257 million, exceeding the prior year’s total by 12%, and among MSU’s academic colleges, the COA reported the largest research expenditure at $54.1 million. The COA is composed of seven departments and utilizes the entire state for its classroom and research endeavors. We create opportunities for students, staff and faculty to excel through hands-on learning, to serve through campus and community engagement, to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions and to connect Montanans with the global community through research discoveries and outreach.

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July 1, 2025

Screening of applications will begin on April 07, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Exempt