Research Assoc Urban Ag & Controlled Env Ag
About The Position
The Research Associate for Urban Agriculture and Controlled Environment Agriculture provides research, laboratory, and technical support for projects within the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. The position assists the Principal Investigator (PI) with planning, conducting, and evaluating research focused on urban agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, sustainable agriculture, and food systems. The Research Associate manages laboratory operations, supports research activities, maintains laboratory equipment, assists with data collection and analysis, prepares reports and scholarly publications, and provides technical guidance to faculty, staff, and students. The position also supports grant-funded research initiatives by assisting with project implementation, reporting, and proposal development. This position requires regular on-campus attendance to support laboratory operations, collaborate with faculty, staff, and students, maintain research facilities, and conduct research activities. Employment in this position is contingent upon the continued availability of extramural grant funding.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Controlled Environment Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agriculture Education, Agribusiness, Food Systems, or a closely related field is required.
- Experience conducting laboratory or applied agricultural research is required.
- Valid driver's license is required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain laboratory safety certifications and other University-required research training.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with laboratory operations, scientific instrumentation, research data collection, and statistical analysis is preferred.
- Experience preparing scholarly publications, technical reports, or grant proposals is preferred.
- Experience supervising or mentoring students in laboratory or research settings is preferred.
- Experience working with controlled environment agriculture systems, greenhouse production, hydroponics, urban agriculture, or sustainable food systems is preferred.
- Ability to obtain or maintain certifications related to laboratory operations, food safety, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), or other research-related certifications is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Principal Investigator and research team in planning, implementing, and conducting research projects related to urban agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, sustainable agriculture, and food systems.
- Coordinate daily laboratory operations, including maintaining laboratory facilities, equipment, supplies, and inventory.
- Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and ensure the proper operation of laboratory and research equipment.
- Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety practices.
- Conduct laboratory analyses and assist with experimental design, sample preparation, data collection, data management, and statistical analysis.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, research databases, spreadsheets, and documentation in accordance with University and funding agency requirements.
- Assist faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students in the operation of laboratory equipment and research procedures.
- Provide technical instruction and laboratory training to students participating in research projects.
- Coordinate laboratory scheduling and assist with management of laboratory and research facilities.
- Assist with the operation and maintenance of research greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture facilities, research plots, and other research areas as assigned.
- Conduct collaborative and independent research related to sustainable agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, plant production systems, urban agriculture, food systems, and related disciplines.
- Assist in developing educational demonstrations, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities that support research and student engagement.
- Prepare annual, interim, and final reports for funding agencies and project stakeholders.
- Assist with the preparation and submission of grant proposals and other external funding opportunities.
- Prepare scholarly publications, technical reports, abstracts, posters, presentations, and other research communications.
- Present research findings at professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and other educational events.
- Assist in tracking graduate student applications, student research progress, and project documentation as assigned.
- Collaborate with faculty, research staff, Extension personnel, industry partners, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to advance research objectives.
- Maintain compliance with University policies, laboratory safety procedures, grant requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of Kentucky State University.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
