Research Associate Specialist (Weed Science)

Louisiana State University

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position through 3/31/26. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment. The primary purpose of this position is to support and assist with the coordination of the weed science research program for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, oats, soybean, sesame, and wheat. The successful applicant will focus their efforts at the Dean Lee Research Station, but some travel will be required to conduct off-station research. The applicant should have some working knowledge of agronomic crop production. Duties will involve soil sampling, record keeping, scouting fields, spraying, planting, harvest of research plots, and maintenance of agricultural equipment used in the program. Equipment usage and maintenance will include: all-terrain vehicles, trailers, weigh wagons, tractors, and sprayers. The ability to operate and experience operating farm equipment is preferred. The applicant should be proficient in Word, Excel, Power Point, and other applicable programs. The applicant will assist the project leader and other associates in maintaining and facilitating information exchange on the LSU AgCenter Webpages. The applicant selected will be expected to develop working relationships with station scientists, other associates, extension agents, and agribusiness personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in plant sciences, agronomy, horticulture, plant pest management, other agricultural curriculums or related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Computer skills required.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Power Point, and other applicable programs.

Nice To Haves

• Some working knowledge of agronomic crop production.
• Experience operating farm equipment.
• Farming and/or research experience is highly desirable.
• A master's degree is desired.
• Candidates with non-agricultural degrees may be considered depending on other experiences.
• 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

• Support and assist with coordination of the weed science research program for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, oats, soybean, sesame, and wheat.
• Conduct off-station research, which may require some travel.
• Perform soil sampling.
• Maintain records.
• Scout fields.
• Spray research plots.
• Plant research plots.
• Harvest research plots.
• Maintain agricultural equipment used in the program, including all-terrain vehicles, trailers, weigh wagons, tractors, and sprayers.
• Assist the project leader and other associates in maintaining and facilitating information exchange on the LSU AgCenter Webpages.
• Develop working relationships with station scientists, other associates, extension agents, and agribusiness personnel.

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