Research Specialist

University Of Idaho; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Research Specialist to support agronomic and pathology research for small grains. The successful candidate will operate agricultural machinery, conduct field studies, and manage data, all while ensuring safe working conditions. A Bachelor's degree in Plant Science or a similar field is required along with a valid driver’s license. This full-time role is based in Aberdeen City and includes working outside of normal business hours as needed.

Benefits

Visa sponsorship available

Contingent upon continuation of funding

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science or a related field is required.
• Possess a valid driver's license to operate university vehicles.
• Professional pesticide applicator's license or ability to acquire within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Support primary investigator in agricultural research activities.
• Conduct field studies evaluating cereal varieties.
• Maintain accurate data and manage research records.

Skills

Data management

Field research

Machinery operation

Record-keeping

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science or related field

Tools

Agricultural machinery

Job description

The position supports the primary investigator in researching small grain agronomic and pathology issues for the Cereals Extension/Research Program in South-Central/Southeast Idaho, involving planning and maintaining field studies to evaluate cereal varieties and their environmental responses. Tasks include seed prep, planting, plot maintenance, harvesting, grain processing, and data management. The Research Specialist must work efficiently with minimal supervision, ensure data quality, and maintain safe working conditions while operating machinery such as combines, planters, and tractors. Collaboration with Cereal Extension faculty and staff at the R&E Centers is required.

Position Overview

Performs research activities and analysis, recording observations and measurements, and reports results. Participates in analyzing and preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision.

Duties

• Prepare standard solutions for calibration and analyses
• Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits
• Collect laboratory or field data
• Conduct research and analysis of scientific data
• Perform literature reviews
• Prepare reports
• Compare data and historical records for trend verification
• Develop reference files, comparison charts, and graphs on research data
• Assist with site inspections and field oversight
• Have little or no supervisory responsibilities
• Following pre-established procedures or protocols
• Collecting and reviewing scientific data
• Keeping complete and accurate records
• Working in a team environment

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science or related field to the domain of the position

Required Other

• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles
• Professional pesticide applicator’s license with demonstration and research endorsement or ability to acquire within 6 months
• Work nonstandard business hours including occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays

Additional Preferred

• Two years of research experience
• Knowledge of small grain production methods and practices
• Experience operating a variety of agricultural machinery, including tractors, planters, and tillage equipment
• Proven ability to apply scientific principles in research settings
• Proficiency with computer software relevant to data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Perform specialized tasks and laboratory/field techniques related to small grain research
  • Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot research instruments and equipment
  • Maintain accurate records and compile data for written reports

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work with toxic, volatile, corrosive chemicals and/or carcinogenic substances
• 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 Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

Posting Information

• FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
• Employee Category: Classified
• Pay Range: $24.52 an hour or higher depending on experience or education
• Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year
• FTE: 1.0
• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding
• Visa Sponsorship: Available
• Closing Date: 12/19/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

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.

If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Makayla Frazier at [e-mail] 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.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Letter of Qualification

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

• * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
  • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
  • Indeed.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Militaryjob.com
  • DSPSjobs.com
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
• * It is a requirement of this position to possess a valid driver's license and meet the driving requirements of the University of Idaho (good driving record and pass a defensive driving class). Are you able to meet this position requirement?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a professional pesticide applicator's license with demonstration and research endorsement or the ability to acquire within 6 months?
  • Yes
  • No