Easter Seals Jobs

Position Information

• Position Title: Research Assistant I
• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package (View Benefits{target="_new" rel="noopener"})
• Location: Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, Frankenmuth, MI

Position Overview

As part of MSU Extension and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), the assistant will work as part of the Sugarbeet Advancement Team to implement field research, monitoring, and inventory projects in cooperation with project principal investigators (PIs).

The mission of Sugarbeet Advancement is to generate research and utilize education to enhance the productivity and profitability of the Great Lakes sugar beet industry. This will be accomplished through a cooperative effort involving Michigan State University, Michigan Sugar Company, producers, and agribusiness. The Sugarbeet Advancement Committee will be active in identifying research needs, conducting educational programming, and securing financial support to achieve established goals.

In this position, the candidate will:

• Help identify agronomic research priorities and plan and coordinate research efforts.
• Design, oversee, and conduct field-scale sugarbeet research trials.
• Interpret and analyze data, produce research reports, and develop educational materials.
• Oversee the planting of field trials at the field level according to design and protocols.
• Conduct field evaluations, including collecting stand counts, disease counts, ratings, yield data, and support data review and compilation during the trial period and from year to year.
• Operate agricultural equipment, including but not limited to:
  • John Deere Gator or similar equipment
  • Mechanical Front Wheel Drive (MFWD) tractor
  • Dump cart
• Travel between Michigan and Canada for research activities (a valid, unexpired enhanced driver's license or passport is required).

This position may be eligible for a flexible work environment, but there is an expectation to work from an MSU Extension County office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual's position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

This position is housed at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, Frankenmuth, MI.

This is a full-time, end-dated appointment, renewable annually based on continued funding.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations.

The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and p