Research Associate (Horticulture)

Agency

Department

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Under the general supervision of Research Scientists, the Research Associate provides technical support for research activities in the greenhouse and fields plots. This position involves performing routine tasks related to greenhouse maintenance and operation, plant care, experimental setup, data collection, plant propagation, nursery management, experimental setup, data collection, germplasm collection data management, and maintenance of research environments. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to assist with ongoing scientific studies.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position. 

Responsibilities: 

• Manage the seedbank, plant propagation, nursery stock, horticultural research, and experimental field trials.
• Collect, compile, calculate, maintain, and summarize experimental and field trial data.
• Monitor plant growth, soil conditions, irrigation schedules, and pest management strategies.
• Assist senior staff with major field experiments and help develop research procedures.
• Assist student workers and support undergraduate and graduate students with assigned research projects.
• Participates in college wide events and professional developments.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture or a related field.
• Two years of related experience in horticulture, plant science, or greenhouse/nursery operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment .
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.
• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

Other Requirements: 

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Willingness to build knowledge of horticulture, nomenclature, plant care, propagation techniques, and horticultural research methods.
• Ability to operate and maintain horticultural equipment.
• Willingness to obtain a Texas pesticide applicator license if required.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.