Assistant Scientist

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Department of Agronomy seeks an Assistant Scientist to manage field experiments within the breeding program. You will design trials to identify genetically superior lines for eventual release and oversee greenhouse operations as part of a cohesive program.

You will supervise 2–6 undergraduates, coordinate data collection and analysis, and support post-harvest processing of wheat samples. Collaboration with Plant Pathology for FHB screening is included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field is required.
• Experience growing plants in a greenhouse is preferred.
• Proficiency with data management and analysis is desired.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field experiments, including randomization and data collection.
• Supervise 2-6 undergraduate students in field and greenhouse tasks.
• Oversee greenhouse operations including planting, harvesting, and pest control.
• Manage post-harvest processing and quality analysis of wheat samples.
• Oversee Fusarium head blight screening in field and greenhouse with collaborators.

Skills

Field experiments design

Greenhouse experience

Data management

Data analysis

Pest monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in plant breeding, agronomy, genetics or related field

Tools

AGROBASE

R

QTL mapping techniques

Job description

About This Role

Kansas State University and Department of Agronomy seek an Assistant Scientist to manage the field experiment aspect of the breeding program by designing and conducting field-based experiments to identify genetically superior lines for eventual release as varieties. This position will also have responsibility for greenhouse operations of the breeding program and will supervise 2-6 undergraduate students.

• Design and conduct analysis of field experiments. Randomization, layout, planting, note taking, harvesting, printing of labels/envelopes, design of fieldbooks and data analysis.
• Supervise undergraduate students who are working on field and greenhouse aspects of the breeding program.
• Oversee greenhouse operations including planting and harvesting. This also includes monitoring greenhouse for pests and taking appropriate control measures to ensure greenhouse systems are operating properly.
• Manage post-harvest processing of wheat samples including cleaning grain, taking test weights and pulling samples for quality analysis.
• Oversee FHB field screening program, primarily on collaboration with personnel in Plant Pathology. Duties include rating experimental lines for tolerance to Fusarium head blight and identification of promising parent lines for inclusion in the crossing program.

About Us

Here at the Department of Agronomy, we strive to equip students and industry members with the tools they need to serve our communities and society as a whole through agriculture. Through each facet of our work, we emphasize the importance of sustainable and efficient practices to conserve our resources and protect the land.
The Department of Agronomy, together with the Research and Extension Centers, provides statewide leadership for teaching, research, and extension activities in plant breeding, crop production, range science, soil science, and weed sciences and contributes substantially to activities in genetics, water science, and environmental sciences.
Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS, in the scenic tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills of NE Kansas. Manhattan is 125 miles west of Kansas City and 50 miles west of Topeka. Kansas State University is the nation’s first land-grant institution and currently enrolls ~24,000 students. Check the local Convention & Visitors Bureau website (http://www.manhattancvb.org/) for more information.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree.
• Valid driver's license.

Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.This degree requirement ensures candidates possess the scientific knowledge, research methodology and analytical skills essential for designing studies, interpreting data and contributing to scholarly publications. These competencies are typically developed and validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and critical thinking training inherent in a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in plant breeding, agronomy, genetics or related field.
• Experience with growing plants in a greenhouse.
• Experience with AGROBASE software, data analysis in R, QTL mapping techniques.
• Experience with FHB screening techniques in both field and greenhouse settings.
• Experience working with computers and data management.

Additional Role Information:

• Field experiments will require frequent exposure to outdoor conditions. Some greenhouse operations may also be carried out in less than ideal conditions.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on:October 28, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$40,000 - $66,667 ($19.23 - $32.05 per hour)