"Associate, Research - Experiment Station"

Job Details

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title
Associate, Research - Experiment Station

FLSA Status
Salaried Non Exempt

Posted Salary Range
Commensurate to Experience

Employment Status
Temporary

Department
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Job Summary

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting research scientists on plant care and horticultural research activities. This role involves identifying horticultural and medicinal plants, diagnosing specialty crop production issues, and assisting in the development and implementation of science-based strategies to improve plant quality, yield, soil health, and overall sustainability.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with state and federal USDA regulations on field cultivation, cover crop management, and integrated pest management.
• Sample, monitor and document plant growth, health, and development across research projects.
• Diagnose and manage plant diseases and pests using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Manage fertilizer and irrigation need for plants including microbiome application and improvement
• Support research efforts to improve soil health, crop yield, and plant quality through sustainable agricultural practices.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data recording, reporting, and presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to record, organize, analyze and report project data on plant performance, soil conditions, and environmental variables.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with the capacity to work independently under the guidance of the project scientists and managers.
• Physical ability and farm equipment certificate to conduct fieldwork including planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and harvesting by hand as well as operating corresponding farm machines.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate agricultural and research farm equipment.
• Assist with the design and implementation of field and greenhouse experiments.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct on-site visits to identify and assess problems in open field and protected field plant cultivation, including issues related to soil health, plant stress, water management, and pest control.
• Independently maintain plant cares for plant cultivation following project needs and director’s advice.
• Assist research scientists and project managers in developing and implementing the best agricultural practices, including optimal planting techniques, nutrient management, and irrigation scheduling.
• Ensure proper utilization, upkeep, calibration, and troubleshooting of agricultural research equipment.
• Prepare and deliver research results for presentations and reports.
• Collect and maintain all research records including field problem identification and intervention measures.
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date records for all research projects assigned and coordinate with supervisor for CAAS field needs.
• Work closely with the CAAS research teams to implement shared-use infrastructure, co-op agreements, and terms of use for equipment.
• Identify barriers and provide feedback to the Associate Dean for Research Program needs.

Qualifications

• Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science or a related agricultural discipline.
• At least five years of experience in agricultural research on plants, with specific experience in plant care and pest management.
• Strong knowledge of plant and soil science, horticultural crops, plant pathology, and IPM principles.
• Hands-on experience in field crop cultivation, pest and disease diagnostics, and sustainable production methods.
• Demonstrated experience with the operation, upkeep, and maintenance of agricultural research.
• Professional presentation experience to stakeholders.

Licensing and Certifications
N/A

Physical Requirements

Work in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas
No

Sedentary Work - Exerting 10 pounds
Occasionally

Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds
Occasionally

Medium Work - Exerting 20-50 pounds
Occasionally

Heavy Work - Exerting 50-100 pounds
Not Required

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds
Not Required

Travel
Occasionally

Extended Work Hours
Occasionally

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
S1178

Number of Vacancies
1

Location
Lorman

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date
09/29/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled
No

EEO Statement

Alcorn State University

Equal Employment Opportunity and Notice of Non-Discrimination
Alcorn State University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Alcorn State University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Advertising Summary
Excellent Benefits Package

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Letter of Recommendation (Professional)
5. Letter of Recommendation (Personal)
6. Letter of Recommendation (Professional or Personal)

Optional Documents