"Research Assistant (Forages and Beef Cattle Nutrition)"

Research Assistant (Forages and Beef Cattle Nutrition)

Company: Auburn University

Job Location: Auburn University, 36849-5207

Category: Extension and Outreach

Type: Full-Time

Requisition Number: S4820P

Home Org Name: Animal Sciences

Division Name: College of Agriculture

Job Class Code: HA01 A/B/C

Appointment Status: Full-time

Limited Term: Yes

Limited Term Length: 5 years

Job Summary

This position supports applied research in forage systems and beef cattle nutrition and management. The successful candidate will work closely with the Extension Specialist and the Auburn University Beef-Forage Research Team to implement and manage field-level research and outreach activities across Alabama.

This is a full-time, soft-money position funded for at least 5 years, contingent upon continued funding.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Research Support and Field Trial Management

• Collaborate with the Extension Specialist to plan and execute statewide integrated pest management (IPM) and forage-beef systems research.
• Assist in protocol development, data collection, and supervision of seasonal field trials.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely data entry and management using Microsoft Office tools.

2. Technical Operations and Experimentation

• Manage equipment, supplies, and logistics for field and lab-based research.
• Design and implement small plot and grazing experiments.
• Conduct pesticide applications, forage sampling (manual and mechanical), and basic cattle handling (e.g., chute work, vaccinations, blood draws).
• Travel regularly to research sites across the state.

3. Extension and Outreach Engagement

• Support planning and execution of public-facing events such as field days, grazing schools, and stakeholder conferences.
• Coordinate with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to ensure smooth event operations and research dissemination.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, or a related field; no experience required.

Substitutions allowed for Experience: When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of livestock systems and field research practices.
• Experience with moderately complex research equipment and procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail are highly valued.

Minimum License and Certifications

Possession of a valid drivers license.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in cattle handling is desired.

Salary Range: $35,300 - $49,420

Job Category: Agricultural/Veterinary Medicine

City position is located in: Auburn

State position is located: Alabama

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please utilize the attachment feature of the on-line application system and attach a cover letter and CV or resume. When prompted, please enter the contact information for three professional references. Only COMPLETE application materials will be selected for consideration.