General Statement
MSU and Montana farmers need research and teaching programs focused on agricultural engineering to enhance the value of and demand for our commodities, increase economic return for MT growers, and prepare our students for careers. Expertise in agricultural process engineering is needed to train MSU students to become innovators and develop successful careers in agricultural and food processing industries in Montana and beyond. Developing higher value products (fuel, feed, food and industrial products) from Montana commodities is essential for supporting and growing our agriculture-based MT economy. The research and outreach of faculty in this area will require collaboration within MSU, with other universities, and with agricultural producers and industries in the region.
Duties and Responsibilities
60% research, 30% teaching, 10% service
Functions for this 9-month academic year, tenure-track appointment includes:

Research and teaching in post-harvest processing of agricultural commodities including oilseed, cereal, pulse, and other crops.
Develop new value-added products from agricultural commodities and byproducts produced in Montana, with preference to oilseed crops.
Graduate and undergraduate advising and mentoring.
Collaborate with agriculture and engineering faculty.
Partner with agricultural processing industries in Montana to address their needs through innovative research and development contributing to Montana’s bioeconomy.
Outreach programs focused on transferring enhanced processing technologies to producers and processors of agricultural commodities.
Relevant university and professional service.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
A Ph.D. (completed at time of hire) in Biosystems, Chemical, Biological or similarly named Engineering, with a focus on Agricultural Commodity (seed or plant) processing/manufacturing.
Demonstrated potential for excellence in research, teaching, and service, commensurate with career level.
Record of publishing in refereed journals.
Demonstrated experience in teaching.
Demonstrated potential to develop a research program that supports Montana State’s Land Grant mission in agricultural processing and MSU’s Grand Challenges (https://www.montana.edu/strategicplan/improvinglives.html)
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated experience in conducting research or industrial production of Agricultural Commodity processing/manufacturing or food processing systems.
Post-doctoral experience and demonstrated productivity in basic and applied research using engineering and processing of plant-based commodities.
Experience with oilseed byproduct development.
Demonstrated ability to enhance value of commodity fractionated components rather than whole seed.
Previous research, teaching, and service experience relevant to the position description.
Demonstrated potential to secure extramural funding.
Evidence of successful collaboration and interaction with relevant academic groups, agencies, or industries.
Evidence of potential for successful advising and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
The Successful Candidate Will
Possess excellent written and oral English communication skills.
Possess effective interpersonal skills.
Be committed to Montana State University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Exhibit excellent technical writing skills as evidenced by peer reviewed publications and/or awarded grants, and exceptional speaking/teaching skills as evidenced by national and/or international oral presentations and teaching experience.
Be a dynamic and visionary scientist and educator who will advance MSU’s goals of outstanding research, teaching, and service.
Be collegial and collaborative in research endeavors.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
The Department
In the College of Agriculture (COA), a blend of learning, discovery and outreach reflect our university’s Land Grant designation. Through a federal/state partnership with the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and MSU Extension, we strive for excellence and innovation in education, research and engagement as the land-grant institution committed to the integration of scholarly activities (research, teaching, and outreach) in service to the citizens of Montana. The College of Agriculture has a lively research culture and academic programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Montana State University provides education, research, and outreach programs focused on meeting the changing needs of Montana. The College of Agriculture and MAES generate and disseminate superior knowledge and technological solutions to increase the competitiveness of Montana’s communities, preserve environmental quality, and improve the quality of life for all our citizens. COA and MAES are made up of seven departments, any of which could house this position. Departments – College of Agriculture | Montana State University.
The College
MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU’s land grant mission serving the sons and daughters of our state. The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through hands-on learning; to serve through campus and community engagement; to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions; and to connect Montanans with the global community.