Plant Pathologist/Crop Protection Scientist

Position Information

Description & Details:

The NDSU Langdon Research Extension Center (LREC) seeks a Plant Pathologist / Crop Protection Scientist to lead research on crop diseases affecting agricultural production in northeastern North Dakota. The successful candidate will develop and maintain an independent, externally funded research program focused on improving disease management, enhancing crop productivity, and reducing yield and quality losses across the region.

LREC conducts applied agricultural research and outreach addressing the crops, production systems, and challenges specific to northeastern North Dakota. Major research areas include agronomy, plant pathology, soil health, entomology, and foundation seed production. Key crops include hard red spring wheat, winter wheat, canola, flax, soybean, dry edible bean, field pea, barley, sunflower, and other regionally important crops.

Plant pathology research at the LREC includes field, laboratory, and greenhouse studies using advanced technology and specialized small-plot research equipment to develop practical disease management solutions for crops grown in northeastern North Dakota. The position will emphasize field-based, applied research that addresses key disease challenges affecting regional cropping systems. Working closely with crop producers, Extension personnel, industry partners, and university researchers, the successful candidate will evaluate integrated disease management strategies, identify emerging disease threats, and develop science-based recommendations that improve the profitability and sustainability of crop production in the region.

Responsibilities include securing external funding to support a portion of the salary for research personnel and to fund field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities. The successful candidate will plan and conduct research studies; collect, analyze, and interpret data; supervise and mentor research staff; and communicate findings through reports, Extension publications, and peer-reviewed journal articles. The position requires strong collaboration with NDSU faculty, industry partners, and researchers across the region.

Work Schedule:

The Langdon Research Extension Center is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. Applicants must be willing to work extended hours and weekends, when applicable, to ensure projects are completed successfully.

Hiring Range:

The position offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance. More information on the benefits package can be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/prospective_employee_resources/benefits.

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in Plant Pathology or related sciences with at least two years of documented experience conducting applied crop protection research.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and managing research support personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement a multidisciplinary applied research program addressing crop disease challenges relevant to northeastern North Dakota and similar cropping systems.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, experimental design, and interpretation of research data.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Willing to work extended hours and weekends to ensure projects are completed successfully.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work in a rural research and Extension setting.
• Valid drivers license or the ability to obtain one upon employment.
• Experience operating agricultural equipment and conducting field-based research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline.
• Experience establishing, maintaining, and operating plant pathology laboratory and greenhouse facilities that complement field-based research programs.
• At least two years of research experience working with crops commonly grown in northeastern North Dakota or similar agroecological regions.
• Demonstrated expertise in the identification, diagnosis, and management of fungal, bacterial, viral, and protist diseases of field crops.
• Strong record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive extramural research funding from federal, state, industry, or commodity-sponsored programs.
• Certification as a pesticide applicator or the ability to obtain certification within a specified period after hire.
• Deliver outreach presentations at summer field days and winter production meetings.

Core Competencies:

• Expertise in plant pathology and disease management.
• Applied research and experimental design skills.
• Success in securing external funding.
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication abilities.
• Effective collaboration with producers, Extension, industry, and research partners.
• Problem-solving and innovation in crop protection.
• Strong teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Project and resource management abilities.
• Commitment to producer-focused, applied research.

Applicant Materials Required:

1. A brief cover letter describing relevant experience, knowledge about plant pathology research, and vision for the position.

2. Current curriculum vitae.

3. Names and contact information (name, phone number, email and institutional address) for three professional references.

The initial screening of applicants will begin on November 25, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Applications received by the screening date will be fully considered. The role is anticipated to start on or about January 1, 2027.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Venkat Chapara, the search committee chair, at (venkata.chapara@ndsu.edu).

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. "My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and "I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

• Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position

(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

Education Benefits That Grow With You

• Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

• Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details:

Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employers premises during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business-related interests of the employer, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 100, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.