Research Associate I in Aberdeen

The position supports the primary investigator in researching potato agronomy and pathology for the Potato Variety Development Extension/Research Program in South-Central and Southeast Idaho. It involves collaborating with Potato Extension staff at the Aberdeen R&E Center and USDA Potato Breeding Program to plan and conduct field research.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing experiments, seed preparation, planting, plot maintenance and harvest, grain processing, and data collection and analysis.
• Working independently with minimal supervision, ensuring quality assurance, and maintaining safe working conditions when operating machinery such as tractors, planters, and harvesters.

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:

• Providing technical support in planning and/or designing of scientific projects, studies, or applications.
• Planning and conducting research and analysis of scientific data.
• Interpreting test results and comparing with determined standards and limits.
• Identifying and evaluating scientific samples and determining need for further testing.
• Developing recommendations and/or providing solutions, standards, and protocol to a wide range of difficult problems.
• Planning, designing, developing, monitoring and/or evaluating portions of a scientific project, study, or application.
• Providing scientific evaluations/assessments.
• Researching, implementing, standardizing, and evaluating new procedures.
• Maintaining detailed records of results and preparing written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Required Experience: Two years of post-bachelor’s research experience related to the domain of this position.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy or a related field to the domain of the position.
• Required Other: Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends and holidays occasionally. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles.
• Additional Preferred: Master’s degree in Plant Science or a related field. Knowledge of potato production and general agronomic practices. Experience conducting plot-level research in potatoes or other row crops. Ability to apply scientific principles in laboratory and field research. Skilled in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery (e.g., tractors, planters, tillage equipment). Experience with research instruments, including setup, calibration, and basic troubleshooting. Proficiency with computer software for data entry, analysis, and report generation. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to follow research protocols and standard operating procedures. Experience maintaining accurate research records and preparing technical reports. Strong written communication skills. Experience developing and delivering scientific presentations. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Ability to work with toxic, volatile, corrosive chemicals and/or carcinogenic substances when required.
• Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions.
• Ability to carry, lift and/or otherwise move heavy materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Degree Requirement: Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Category: Exempt

Pay Range: $52,769.60 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.