Research Associate I

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.
• Performing research activities and analysis; implementing and evaluating research procedures and data.
• Recording observations and measurements then reporting results.
• Analyzing and preparing results for publication.
• 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.
• Maintaining detailed records of results and preparing written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies.

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.
• 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:

• Degree qualification listed required at time of hire.

Posting Information:

• 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.
• Visa sponsorship: Available for the position listed in this vacancy.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• Applications received by January 11th, 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.
• Please also provide a copy of unofficial transcripts with your application material.
• If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Kristi Copeland at kcopelan@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.
• Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Transcripts
• Letter of Qualification

Optional Documents:

• Optional Documents