Appointment conditions:Term, Full Time, Appointment ending 03/31/2014 with the possibility of renewal.  

Proposed start date:  May 2012

The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University (ISU) is currently seeking applicants for an Assistant Scientist II who will be responsible for organizing and conducting the day-to-day activities of the sorghum breeding program. The sorghum breeding program at ISU is devoted to the development and release of sorghum germplasm adapted to the Midwest for forage and biofuel use. 

This position coordinates the breeding program and numerous research projects with the Principal Investigator and assists in the training of graduate students. Position responsibilities include nursery work, multi-location testing of sorghum hybrids, winter nursery work in Puerto Rico and greenhouse operations. Winter nursery duties will include seed packaging, documentation for sending seeds abroad and traveling to supervise work or to perform crosses. Designs and conduct basic and applied research projects in collaboration with other breeders, molecular biologists and crop physiologists. Maintains and manages seed preparation, planting, pollination, harvesting, threshing, regular data collection and field plot maintenance. This position will purchase supplies and administer the program's database. The incumbent will participate in managing the research budget and assisting the project leader in analyzing data for reports and scientific publications.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills along with strong problem-solving capabilities. The candidate will have the ability to work independently as well as a team which includes working with and supervising student workers. The ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects, perform statistical analysis and management of databases is also needed for success in this position.

This position will require travel to local research locations and winter nursery location in Puerto Rico.  

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Plant Breeding, Crop Science or related field and four (4) years of experience OR a Master's degree in plant breeding, crop science or related field and two (2) years of experience. Experience must include field experience in Plant Breeding.  

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in sorghum breeding or cultivation, statistical analysis and/or database management. Demonstrable greenhouse management and operations experience. Experience maintaining and operating a laboratory. Budget management experience. Experience operating field equipment for planting, spraying and harvesting. Prior experience which demonstrates the supervision of undergraduate students, graduate students and scientific staff.  

Salary: Minimum $39,474; commensurate with qualifications  

Special Conditions: This position will require travel to local research locations and winter nursery location in Puerto Rico. All accrued vacation must be taken during the term of this appointment. Unused vacation will be forfeited upon resignation or termination from ISU. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check.  
 

Application Instructions Quick Link:  www.iastatejobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=81363  

For additional information about employment opportunities at Iowa State University, contact:

Recruitment & Employment Office
3810 Beardshear Hall
Ames IA 50011-2033
Phone: 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485
E-Mail: employment@iastate.edu

Or visit our website at http://www.iastatejobs.com

Iowa State University is an Affirmative Action employer and will take action to ensure that employment practices are free of discrimination. Iowa State University is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3280 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.