Job postings Research Assistant II Back to search results Apply now Job no: 942222 Work type: Support Staff Pay Grade:12 Major Administrative Unit / College:College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources Department:Forestry 10002360 Sub Area:AP- Professionals Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience Location: East Lansing Categories: Agriculture, Research/Scientific, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union Position Summary The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking an outstanding Forest Genetics Research Manager to oversee all phases of research on Michigan forest genetics and tree improvement. The successful applicant will participate in the development and implementation of study plans for the improvement, propagation, and deployment of improved Michigan forest species in both natural and managed stands. Breeding goals include mitigating effects of climate on seedling survival, tree growth, long-term survival, reproductive output, resistance to pests and pathogens, as well as identifying adaptive traits and genotypes for use in assisted migration and forest management. Additionally, the Forest Genetics Research Manager will work as part of theForest Genetics Lab (https://www.canr.msu.edu/Forest-Genetics-Lab/) to explore marker assisted selection and genomic approaches to aid in predicting (mal)adaptation across species’ ranges. The position benefits from the long-term partnership between MSU and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through the Michigan Cooperative Tree Improvement Program. The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and to collaboratively pursue additional research funding. MSU’s strengths in forest genetics and genomics provide a collaborative environment that supports success. + 25% - Oversee the maintenance of shared laboratory, greenhouse, nursery, and trial spaces. Including, mowing, spraying, and minor repairs. + 25% - Oversee the planning and preparation of sites for future forest genetics studies and aid in the evaluation and management of existing trials and study sites. + 25% - Responsible for plantation design, plantation establishment, field collections, and compiling and analysis of data from complex experiments involving tree growth and improvement, seedling production, disease and pest resistance, nursery practices, and plant propagation. + 15% - Coordinates and cooperates with geneticists and others to create and analyze populations for breeding goals and coordinates the distribution of improved materials as needed. + 10% - Contribute to authorship / co-authorship of publications based on existing and new data as appropriate. Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in forestry, plant breeding, genetics, or closely related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in forest genetics, tree improvement, and plant propagation; familiarity with R or other closely related programing language; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position requires the candidate to acquire a pesticide application certification within the first year. Desired Qualifications The preferred candidate will have an earned MS in Forestry, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field, documented ability to bring projects to completion, evidence of effective independent and collaborative work, strong skills in written and verbal communication, and experience in managing personnel and projects. 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 For consideration, upload the following required documents: 1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position; 2) resume/curriculum vitae; and 3) at least three professional references with contact information. Special Instructions Incomplete applications will not be considered. Work Hours STANDARD 8-5 Website for.msu.edu Summary of Physical Demands Lift 50lb boxes of seed or seedlings. Lift backpack sprayer with herbicide/pesticide. Lift 5gal buckets of seedlings or bags of soil. Carry 50lb loads approximately 100 ft. Summary of Health Risks Wear a respirator. Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides. Bidding eligibility ends on 4/30/2024 at 11:55 PM Advertised: Apr 24, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time