NDSU Employment Opportunities

POSITION TITLE:	Research Scientist (Biomass Production for Ethanol Processing)
CLOSING DATE:	Screening will begin May 28, 2008 and remain open until filled.
DESCRIPTION:	We are seeking a Research Scientist to work on the production and evaluation of perennial lignocellulosic biomass species for the production of ethanol or other biobased fuels. This position is part of a wider collaboration between NDSU and USDA-ARS for evaluating perennial biomass species for biofuel production. This work will include evaluating biomass species quality and quantity under a variety of environmental and agronomic conditions. The specific objectives of the work will be: (1) to determine appropriate bioenergy crops for maximizing biofuel production capacity, and (2) to develop economically feasible management systems that reduce input requirements for transitioning into and out of bioenergy crops. The person will be expected to evaluate biomass quality at various stages of maturity and under a range of agronomic and environmental conditions. Biomass samples will be produced for downstream processing for conversion to ethanol via pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation.
LOCATION:	Primary location for this position will be at the ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, ND. Some travel is also expected to the NDSU main campus in Fargo.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:	PhD in Agronomy, Plant Science, or a closely related science/engineering field Ability to develop successful research proposals in biomass production and processing Ability to analyze research data and publish research results Experience with or basic understanding of agricultural practices i.e. planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops Ability to organize, manage, and evaluate cropping experiments Experience with both analytical procedures and equipment necessary for biomass compositional analysis Experience preparing successful competitive research proposals Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to serve as a liaison between State and Federal research groups Ability to work independently and as a multidisciplinary team member
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:	Demonstrated record of scholarship, including experience in conducting field and laboratory research, preparing publications for refereed journals, and presenting research results at technical meetings Experience or knowledge of analytical procedures and equipment necessary for biomass pretreatment and bioconversion for ethanol production
TO APPLY:	Please send cover letter, CV, and 2-page statement of research experience outlining how you meet the necessary qualification to: Dr. Scott Pryor Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 1221 Albrecht Blvd Fargo, ND 58105 Scott.pryor@ndsu.edu Ph: (701) 231-7274 NDSU is an equal opportunity institution. Women and traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

THE UNIVERSITY

North Dakota State University is enjoying a remarkable period of growth and success. Located on the state’s eastern border in Fargo, North Dakota’s largest city, NDSU is the state’s Morrill Act land-grant institution.

Recognized as an engaged university and considered a leader among its peers, NDSU has set enrollment records for seven years in a row. With more than 12,500 students, NDSU encompasses a broad spectrum of curricular offerings, scholarly activity and service. The university strives to be an innovator in information systems, technology transfer, economic development and lifelong learning. NDSU also is home to the state’s first full NCAA Division I athletic program.

NDSU employs more than 730 ranked faculty and lecturers, about 360 administrators, extension educators and experiment station researches and approximately 740 graduate assistants and fellows. In total, the university has more than 5,600 full-time and part-time employees across the state.

The university has a commitment to students, faculty and staff to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and safe. NDSU is in the initial stages of implementing a strategic plan for diversity, equity and community to ensure the commitment. To learn more about the plan, visit http://www.ndsu.edu/diversity/documents.php.

Innovative teaching and learning are conducted in nine academic units: the Colleges of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Business; Engineering and Architecture; Human Development and Education; Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Science; Science and Mathematics; University Studies; and the Graduate and Interdisciplinary studies. NDSU has 108 baccalaureate majors, 55 master’s degree programs, 38 doctoral degrees, eight certificate programs, three professional doctoral degrees and one specialist degree.

NDSU researchers are leading major initiatives in such areas as nanotechnology, microelectronics, polymers, food safety and materials science. In a partnership with Alien Technology Corp., NDSU’s Research and Technology Park is home to the world’s first mass scale Radio Frequency Identification tag research and production facility.

The NDSU Research and Technology Park also is expanding with the NDSU Center for Technology Enterprise, a business and technology incubator that will promote the development of new technology-based companies.

The North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension Service are integral parts of the university.

In 2004, the university added a 75,800-square foot, five-story NDSU Downtown, providing a cutting-edge facility for art, architecture and landscape architecture students. A $10 million project renovated the century-old building to include studios, classrooms, a wood shop, digital media room, gallery and an outdoor sculpture area.

This year, the university began enlarging its presence in downtown Fargo with the groundbreaking of two more projects. Richard H. Barry Hall, formerly the Pioneer Mutual Life building, will house the College of Business and the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics. The work of this project includes 135,000 square feet, with a three-story classroom wing and a 250-seat auditorium.

Klai Hall, formerly the Lincoln National building, will be the new home to the Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Another floor will be added to the building, and plans call for it to house the architecture and landscape architecture library, two studios, a model building shop and materials laboratory.

NDSU, which is one of two major research universities in an 11-institution state university system, is striving to substantially increase the number of international students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels. NDSU also serves people across the state through continuing education and extension programs. NDSU also participates in the Tri-College University consortium with neighboring Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College.

The Community

Named one of the most desirable places in the country to live by Money magazine, Fargo is quickly earning a reputation as a great place to live. Located in the rich farmlands of the Red River Valley, the Fargo-Moorhead community has many qualities that contribute to this reputation, including highly-respected educational opportunities, advanced medical technology, a progressive business community, numerous cultural and arts opportunities, a clean environment and good-hearted friendly people.

Fargo ’s revitalized downtown has gained recent national publicity through such media outlets as the Los Angeles Times, The Today Show, National Public Radio and MSN.com. The reports describe an energetic, contemporary feel to many of the downtown’s trendy restaurants, nightlife and entertainment opportunities.

With more than 175,000 people in the community and about 500,000 people in the service area, Fargo-Moorhead is among the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle and was recently named an All-American City. To learn more about what national publications are saying about the community’s quality of life, visit www.fmchamber.com/community/qualityoflife.html.


Site Manager Last Updated: Published by North Dakota State University NDSU is an equal opportunity institution.	Equal Opportunity Office Old Main Room 202 Fargo, North Dakota 58105 Phone: (701) 231-7708