Researcher 1

The purpose of this position is to support vegetable crop research investigating economically viable methods to help small acreage farmers manage new pest challenges. This includes trialing sprouting broccoli and collards varieties, and helping with a garlic chilling experiment. The work is mainly field-based, involving plot maintenance, data collection, weeding, irrigating, and liaising with collaborators on consumer evaluations and insect scouting. The collards work may also involve liaising with community gardeners.

The employee is expected to operate semi-independently following the standard operating procedures laid out by the supervisor They will receive regular guidance, direction, and outcome monitoring by the supervisor.

Position Details

• 50% time - hours can vary daily
• Start date: May 19, 2025
• End date: October 3, 2025

Responsibilities

• Assist with plot set-up and transplantation of sprouting broccoli and collards.
• Maintain field plots - weed and irrigate as needed, scout for disease and insect pests in collaboration with entomologist
• Complete field safety training and follow safe field work practices
• Harvest sprouting broccoli weekly, collect yield data, and take notes* on what was done, how things were done, and observations of special interest
• Liaise with Student Organic Farm manager on harvests and broccoli / sprouting broccoli comparisons
• Liaise with Sensory Center and agricultural economist on consumer preference studies, ensuring timely harvest and delivery of material for the tests
• Assist with garlic harvest, curing, cleaning, and weighing
• Score collard varieties according to Heirloom Collard Project metrics and make careful notes*
• Liaise with community gardeners and urban farmers in collaboration with Student Organic Farm manager to evaluate collards
• Organize and analyze data in coordination with supervisor

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in biology, horticulture, or a related discipline, or a combination of related education and work experience to total 4 years
• Experience with field-based work
• Demonstrated good organizational skills and careful note-taking
• Ability to communicate well as part of a team and follow directions
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work independently and as part of a team
• Valid drivers license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vegetable production research or closely related work
• Familiarity with data collection, handling, and analyses
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work well with diverse groups of people

*Special Requirements: Ability to do physical labor associated with vegetable production such as weeding and lifting 50 lbs of fertilizer. The work will include walking on uneven terrain, stooping, tolerating getting dirty and exposure to insects.

As a diversified research-oriented organization, the Department of Horticultural Science also has strong commitments to education for on-campus students and the public. Faculty in the department are nationally and internationally recognized for conducting research in areas including Plant Breeding and Genetics, Plant Growth and Development, Sustainable Horticulture, and Horticultural Marketing. As a community, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive culture that promotes professional excellence in horticultural science and actively pursue opportunities to increase our adoption of inclusive behaviors. The department co-hosts undergraduate degrees in Plant Science and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems as well as graduate degree programs in Applied Plant Science and Plant & Microbial Biology. Faculty can also advise graduate students in Conservation Sciences, Applied Economics, and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

Pay Range: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 50% Appointment, Temporary

Position Type: Civil-Service Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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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