Research Associate I

Posting Number:

SP005242P

Division/College:

College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Department:

Plant Sciences

Location:

Aberdeen

Posting Context Statement:

The University of Idaho and USDA-ARS cooperate on breeding new potato varieties. This position will directly support breeding efforts at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. This position will assist USDA-ARS personnel primarily with, greenhouse work. The position also assists with field trials, harvesting, grading, data analyses, and writing reports. The position will also assist the University of Idaho Potato Variety Development program with field trials, harvesting and grading.

Position Overview:

Performs research activities and analysis; implements and evaluates research procedures and data. Records observations and measurements then reports results. Responsible for analyzing and preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a certain degree of creativity and latitude. May supervise junior research personnel.

Duties may include:

• Provide technical support in planning and/or designing of scientific projects, studies, or applications
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data
• Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits
• Identify and evaluating scientific samples and determining need for further testing
• Develop recommendations and/or providing solutions, standards, and protocol to a wide range of difficult problems
• Plan, design, develop, monitor, and/or evaluate portions of a scientific project, study, or application
• Provide scientific evaluations/assessments
• Research, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepares written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

• Two years of post-bachelor’s research experience related to the domain of this position

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, plant science, plant pathology, or related to the domain of the position

Required Other:

• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles
• Ability to work non-standard business hours

Additional Preferred:

• Master’s degree in plant science, plant breeding, plant pathology, or related fields
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
• Supervisory experience
• Demonstrated ability keeping records of research data, summarizing research data
• Experience developing and delivering scientific presentations

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

Ability to:

• Lift, carry or otherwise move up to 80 pounds
• Work in inclement weather
• Walk on uneven ground

Degree Requirement: Listed degree qualification is required at time of application
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Category: Exempt
Pay Range: $56,610 annually or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year
FTE: 1
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy: No
Posting Date: 04/24/2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications received by May 10, 2026, will receive first consideration.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Makayla Frazier at mtedder@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.