Job Summary
This is a three year limited term position. Continued employment is contingent on availability of funding.

The College of Agriculture at Auburn University is actively seeking candidates for a Research Assistant/Research Associate. The selected individual will be responsible for implementing research protocols and coordinating field data collection related to nutrient management and irrigation in Alabama row-crop production systems.

The successful candidate is expected to be highly organized, enjoys fieldwork, personable, enthusiastic, hardworking and be able to implement research protocols in hot and humid weather conditions.

About Auburn: At Auburn, our work changes lives. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a premier public institution, Auburn University is dedicated to shaping the future of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research, scholarship, and selfless service. Auburn is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community outreach, positive work environment, student engagement, and thriving community.

Why employees choose Auburn: Auburn University was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years. Employees enjoy competitive benefits that include top-notch health insurance, generous retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, flexible spending accounts, and more!

Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn.

Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.
Essential Functions
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Sampling and processing of soil, plant, water samples at farms and transporting them to main campus laboratories.
2. Recording, organizing, and analyzing data using SAS or R.
3. Operating and troubleshooting farm equipment or small machinery.
4. Assisting with installation of irrigation sensors, and other irrigation related equipment.
5. Hauling heavy equipment to the field when needed. Must be able to lift at least fifty pounds and walk up to three miles a day, as fieldwork is a large component of this position.
6. Assisting with basic soil chemical laboratory procedures such as weighing soil and plant samples, filtration, washing glassware.
7. Assisting graduate students in their fieldwork.
8. Helping prepare for field days, manage logistics to conduct workshops and plan Extension related activities.

Frequent travel throughout the state of Alabama will be required.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Research Assistant I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related field; no experience required. Salary range $33,300 – $46,600

Research Assistant II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related field and 2 years of experience working in research projects related to agronomy and soil science. Salary range $35,100 – $52,700

Research Associate I: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related field; no experience required. Salary range $38,600 – $57,900

*Indicated education is required; no substitutions allowed.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications
Minimum Skills and Abilities
Additional requirements include knowledge/experience working in a farm setting; operating farm equipment; a demonstrated ability to collect, organize, and analyze data.

A commitment to an inclusive and diverse campus environment is required.
Minimum Technology Skills
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and statistical package such as SAS or R; familiarity with GIS techniques to map the field.
Minimum License and Certifications
A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to selection.

The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States by the start date and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.


Desired Qualifications
Desired Qualifications
Desired qualifications include the following:
1. Experience working in research projects related to agronomy and soil science, sampling and processing of soil, plant, water samples.
2. Experience with troubleshooting small equipment.
3. Experience with GIS techniques to map the field.