Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

The Soybean Breeding and Genetics Research Project is seeking a highly motivated undergraduate research assistant to join our team for the fall harvest season and beyond. This position will help to support ongoing research in the area of soybean improvement through applied cultivar development combined with studies on the inheritance of economically important traits and improved breeding methodology. Some of the activities may be conducted alone while many others are in a team setting. Most work will occur on the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus, but some outstate travel may be required if feasible for the successful candidate.

Essential Functions:

• Data collection from small plot field trials
• Single seed and single plant harvests
• Sample processing (threshing, data collection)
• Scanning of samples with near-infrared reflectance spectrometer
• Execution of inventory management
• Seed stock purification
• Assist graduate students with carrying out their experiments in field, greenhouse, and lab settings

There is opportunity for development of independent research projects if this of interest and the student has time outside of core responsibilities.

Required:

• High school graduate or equivalent. Some lab experience.

Preferred:

• Interest in research.

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest and beyond. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Sciences, Plant and Microbial Biology, and other graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs and the Applied Plant Sciences graduate program.

Pay Range: $15.25 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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