Research Associate Specialist (Weed Science)

Louisiana State University

1d • Onsite

About The Position

(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position through 04/30/2027. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.) Work Location: The position is located at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station near St. Joseph, La. Collaborative work will also be conducted at the LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge and Sweet Potato Research Stations and off-station locations as necessary. Position Description: The individual will be expected to perform a variety of duties as a research associate in the Weed Science Program. These duties include supervision of student employees; assisting the lead program scientist in managing a program of research investigating weed management in soybean, cotton, sweet potato, corn, wheat, and grain sorghum, as well as cotton defoliation. The individual will be expected to assist in field preparation, establishment of field plans, operation and/or use of farm equipment, and data scheduling, collection, computer entry, and presentation preparation. Additional responsibilities will include pesticide application in research plots, maintenance of research plots, equipment calibration, detailed note taking of daily operations, and managing the daily operations and duties of transient workers in the program. The successful candidate also will be expected to assist in maintenance of all program field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed, and help maintain research plot records, program equipment and vehicle records, and pesticide inventory. Responsibilities also involve travel to additional LSU AgCenter research stations and off-station trial locations.

Requirements

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field of agriculture

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree is desired.
• Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in weed science or a related field.
• Applicants with a degree in another agricultural or basic science field will be considered qualifying provided they possess significant work experience in a plant science area.

Responsibilities

• Supervision of student employees
• Assisting the lead program scientist in managing a program of research investigating weed management in soybean, cotton, sweet potato, corn, wheat, and grain sorghum, as well as cotton defoliation
• Assist in field preparation, establishment of field plans, operation and/or use of farm equipment, and data scheduling, collection, computer entry, and presentation preparation
• Pesticide application in research plots
• Maintenance of research plots
• Equipment calibration
• Detailed note taking of daily operations
• Managing the daily operations and duties of transient workers in the program
• Assist in maintenance of all program field and laboratory equipment
• Order supplies as needed
• Help maintain research plot records, program equipment and vehicle records, and pesticide inventory
• Travel to additional LSU AgCenter research stations and off-station trial locations

Benefits

• retirement
• multiple medical insurance options
• supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.)
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses)
• university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas)
• generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level