Working/Functional Title

Greenhouse Research Director

Position Summary

Michigan State University's AgBioResearch, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the College of Natural Sciences invites applications for Specialist-Research, also known as the Research Director of the Plant Science Research Greenhouses.

The Director is responsible for operational management of roughly 100,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space plus headhouse and space to support the researchers that require plants for their research. The Director will contribute directly and indirectly to the research goals of diverse users (faculty, graduate students, and staff in at least seven departments). The Director will effectively communicate, consult, and sometimes collaborate with users of the greenhouse facility including faculty, students, and other researchers. This person supervises greenhouse staff (currently four), meets frequently with co-chairs of the Faculty Users Committee, and provides written reports of activities to an executive committee composed of Associate Deans of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Natural Science, and to the Director of AgBioResearch. The Director could contribute to research proposals, reports, and papers, and could play an important role in developing multi-investigator projects. The Director will be known beyond MSU and may serve as a consultant on research greenhouse management.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Horticulture, Greenhouse Engineering, or

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. is required, but those with Masters degree with equivalent combination of Master of Science degree in horticulture, greenhouse engineering, or related field and experience will be considered;
Working knowledge of research greenhouses;
Demonstrated experience managing a commercial or educational greenhouse facility;
Demonstrated familiarity with greenhouse environmental control systems;
Strong management, supervisory, leadership, and planning skills;
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
Competent using common computer software (e.g., E-mail, spreadsheets, word processing)
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, all with effective prioritization;
Ability to climb ladders and lift 50 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in horticulture, greenhouse engineering, or related field;
Demonstrated experience managing a research-oriented greenhouse and/or growth chamber facility;
Knowledge of, and experience with, biological and chemical control of greenhouse pests;
Has, or has had, a pesticide applicator license

Required Application Materials

1) a resume/CV,

2) a cover letter describing your skills and experiences as they related to this position.

Special Instructions

To apply, applicants must submit an application at the MSU Human Resources site at https://careers.msu.edu (Posting #575389) and upload two documents:

1) a resume/CV and

2) a cover letter describing your skills and experiences as they related to this position. At the end of the cover letter, please also submit names and contact information for three references who are familiar with your skills and/or experiences working in greenhouses and with plants. Letters are not initially required, but these individuals may be immediately approached for additional information.

Review of Applications Begins On

06/10/2019

Summary of Physical Demands

Ability to climb ladders and lift 50 pounds.

Summary of Health Risks

Knowledge of, and experience with, biological and chemical control of greenhouse pests

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.