Research Assistant - Geospatial Application and Environment
Job Details
TITLE: Research Assistant Geospatial Application and Environment
DEPARTMENT: Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Environmental Security, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources
REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Research Assistant Position in The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University would serve as a support person for the research or extension program and will participate in research duties specific to the objectives of the proposal funding sources. The position supports the experimental and agronomic research components of funded projects, including field, laboratory, and environmental monitoring using eddy covariance; drone deployment and geospatial analysis; and social research actively assisting with data collection, analysis, reporting, and the dissemination of findings through publications, presentations, and progress reports.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Lead and investigate experiments examining carbon dynamics of reclaimed mined lands in Eastern Kentucky as part of the Appalachia Renewal Project using the Eddy Covariance flux tower.
- Manage, maintain, and collect data from eddy covariance (flux tower) installations in Martin County, Eastern Kentucky, including routine field checks, sensor troubleshooting, and continuity assurance.
- Lead soil sampling campaigns across Kentucky and nearby Mesonet stations to support soil carbon model development under the 1890 Multi-state Climate and Long-term Agroecosystems Research projects.
- Lead in designing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory, field, and greenhouse experiments supporting the Soil Health Group in accordance with project protocols and safety standards.
- Perform laboratory and field experiments, including soil sampling, sample preparation/processing, and relevant chemical/physical measurements as required by project objectives.
- Collect, enter, manage, and analyze datasets related to soil, water, sediments, and erosion using SWAT and other analytical/modeling tools; support interpretation of results.
- Support socio-economic research components of interdisciplinary projects as assigned (survey support, coding/cleaning, descriptive/inferential analysis) and integrate findings with biophysical outcomes for reporting.
- Apply QA/QC procedures to ensure validity and reliability of results; identify outcomes that exceed tolerances, document corrective actions, and maintain reproducible workflows.
- Maintain complete and accurate records (field logs, laboratory notebooks, metadata/data dictionaries, and organized digital project files); maintain inventory and keep laboratory spaces clean, safe, and orderly.
- Review up-to-date scientific literature to support method selection, interpretation, and development of ongoing, proposed, or emerging research activities.
- Analyze data from experiments and integrated components as assigned; prepare publication-quality graphics, maps, tables, and text for manuscripts, presentations, extension materials, and sponsor reporting.
- Assist in developing progress reports, technical summaries, and grant-support materials aligned with sponsor requirements and project timelines.
- Assist with maintenance of research infrastructure, including greenhouses, farm facilities, and field sites as needed; demonstrate ability to work independently in farming/research activities and contribute effectively to team-based projects.
- Train, supervise, and mentor research assistants and graduate, undergraduate, and high school students supporting thesis, capstone, practicum, and project-based research.
- Facilitate and conduct informational talks, tours, and outreach at field days, stakeholder meetings, and professional events.
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