Research Assistant/Associate

Overview

The individual in this position will be responsible for maintaining long-term agricultural experiments and agronomic teaching gardens on Auburn University’s campus. The individual will also be expected to assist in managing Official Variety trials for cotton, corn, grain sorghum, peanut, ryegrass, small grains, and soybean. This position is located at Auburn University in Auburn, AL.

Responsibilities

• Planning, overseeing, and maintaining historic agricultural experiments on Auburn University’s campus, including the Old Rotation (est. 1896) and Cullars Rotation (est. 1911).
• Planning, overseeing, and maintaining teaching gardens on Auburn University’s campus, including the agronomic crops teaching garden and perennial forage teaching garden.
• Interacting with individuals and groups for tours and presentations on historic agricultural experiments and teaching gardens.
• Assisting in managing Official Variety Trials for cotton, corn, grain sorghum, peanut, ryegrass, small grains, and soybean throughout the state of Alabama.
• Scheduling, monitoring, and maintaining records of research.
• Procuring equipment and supplies to sustain research projects.
• Assist with machinery operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ensuring compliance with pesticide application, procedure, and standards, as well as other regulations specific to execution of job responsibilities.
• Supervising undergraduate student workers in the field.

Qualifications

Research Assistant:

• Level I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field.

• Level II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience working with plot-scale research trials.

Research Associate:

• Level I: Master's degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field.

• Level II: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience working with plot-scale research trials.

Desired Qualifications:

• Certified Pesticide Applicator License (D&R Preferred)
• Knowledge and experience with row crop research

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The individual selected for the position should have knowledge/experience working with plot-scale research trials, be familiar with Microsoft Office, and should demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, and analyze data.
• Must be able to lift at least fifty pounds, operate farm equipment, and walk up to three miles a day, as field work is a large component of this position.
• Frequent travel throughout the state of Alabama will be required, and the individual must be able to haul large machinery.

Contract Type

Limited Term
Why Work at Auburn

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement


It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date

10/30/2026