Career Center

Position Information
The soil scientist, which is a 100% research appointment, has leadership responsibility for developing, implementing, and reporting outcomes of the soil science research program at the Center. In addition, the scientist will lead the soils research program at CREC and serve within the broader soil health and land management research groups within NDSU. The scientist actively participates in the development and implementation of research projects that address the soil resource and develop applied solutions to regional agricultural concerns. Research activity will include defining soil fertility regimes for optimum crop nutrition, prevention and mitigation of soil salinity, soil management impacted by residue and tillage systems, and work on other outreach and research efforts related to reducing erosion and depletion of topsoil. The soil scientist is expected to compete successfully for extramural funding to assist in funding the diverse research program. The successful candidate is expected to coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional and national project leaders on joint research projects appropriate for the Center; analyze and disseminate information from research programs; participate in outreach efforts; interact closely with farmers, extension staff, agribusiness representatives and crop commodity organizations. The soil scientist also has supervisory responsibilities for support staff and reports to the Center Director.

Minimum Qualifications
• A PhD in soil science or closely related field.
• Knowledge and experience working with applied research related to soil fertility, salinity, health, conservation, and/or management.
• Documented experience in experimental design and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver information via modern media technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain strong collaborations with other researchers, extension personnel, and stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications
• Documented collaborations with scientists of other disciplines of agriculture (agronomy, plant pathology, animal science, entomology, precision agriculture, weed science, etc).
• Familiarity with Northern Great Plains cropping systems.
• Documented experience in production agriculture across a diversity of crops
• Operation of plot research and/or farm scale equipment.
• Documented experience in preparing grant proposals and success in securing grant funds.
• Experience in the supervision of staff involved with field research.
• Evidence of positive producer interactions.