Associate Scientist

Kelly; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 53,583,000 - 72,495,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Telemedicine

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Kelly Outsourcing Consulting Group seeks an Associate Scientist in Newark, DE to support a premier agricultural science client. The role involves greenhouse and growth chamber studies, data collection, and adherence to GLP and safety standards.

Responsibilities include plant propagation, experimental maintenance, and assisting with herbicide applications. A BS in Plant Science or related field is required, with MS preferred. Monday-Friday, 1st shift, $22/hr.

Qualifications

• BS in Plant Science, Agronomy, Weed Science, Horticulture, or related field.
• Basic understanding of agriculture, food production, crop protection.
• Knowledge of weed identification and herbicide application (preferred).
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements in research/lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Support researchers in herbicide discovery, development, and product support in greenhouse, growth chamber, and field environments.
• Perform routine experimental activities including propagation, sorting, staging of test plants, and preparation of units.
• Maintain healthy plant populations and experimental assays through watering, fertilization, and daily care.
• Assist with herbicide applications using specialized spray equipment and established protocols.
• Implement bioassay protocols to evaluate herbicide efficacy, crop tolerance, and product performance.
• Collect, record, analyze, and summarize biological data; prepare reports and presentations.

Education

BS in Plant Science, Agronomy, Weed Science, Horticulture, or related field

MS in Plant Science (advantage)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Associate Scientist

Kelly Outsourcing Consulting Group Kelly OCG, a managed solution provider and business unit of Kelly Services, Inc., is currently seeking an Associate Scientist for a long‑term engagement at one of our premier agricultural science clients in Newark, DE.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1st shift
Compensation: $22/hr

SUMMARY

The Associate Scientist supports the commercial herbicide portfolio by helping researchers in generating high?quality biological data essential for new product discovery, development and lifecycle management. This role supports the execution and maintenance of controlled?environment studies conducted in greenhouses and growth chambers to evaluate herbicide performance. The Associate Scientist is responsible for accurate data collection, experimental maintenance, and adherence to established scientific protocols, operational procedures, and safety standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support researchers in the execution of herbicide discovery, development, and product support studies conducted in greenhouse, growth chamber, and field environments.
• Perform routine experimental activities, including plant propagation, sorting, staging of test plants, and preparation and organization of experimental units.
• Maintain healthy plant populations and experimental assays through watering, fertilization, and daily care of greenhouse and growth chamber studies.
• Assist with or independently conduct herbicide applications using specialized spray equipment and established application protocols.
• Implement biological screening and bioassay protocols to assist researchers in evaluating herbicide efficacy, crop tolerance, and product performance.
• Collect, record, analyze, and summarize biological data; prepare clear reports and presentations to support project decisions.
• Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional teams to effectively manage project timelines, resources, and workload priorities.
• Ensure full compliance with safety standards, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and established research protocols.
• Properly identify, discard, and dispose of unused, expired, or poor-quality bioassays and noxious plant species in accordance with safety and environmental guidelines.
• Support greenhouse operations by monitoring plant health and help with spotting pesticide applications for pest and disease management when required.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure data integrity throughout all stages of study execution.
• Assist in maintaining greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory equipment to ensure optimal research operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• BS in Plant Science, Agronomy, Weed Science, Horticulture, or related field
• Basic understanding of agriculture, food production, crop protection
• Knowledge of weed identification, herbicide application, evaluation (preferred)
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements in the research or laboratory environment

Advantage:

• Candidates with MS in Plant Science, Agronomy, Weed Science, Horticulture

Experience:

• Hands‑on experience in greenhouse (watering and fertilizing plants, general upkeep/tidying) and/or field research.
• Laboratory skills including formulation handling and serial dilution preparation
• Knowledge of herbicide application techniques, herbicide evaluation methods
• Strong attention to detail with excellent observational skills
• Ability to independently execute complex experimental plans with minimal supervision
• Strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills
• Familiarity with safety practices and compliance standards
• Demonstrated reliability in meeting timelines and delivering high‑quality results
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for data entry, analysis, and reporting

P#1

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work‑related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short‑term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

Why Kelly Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI‑powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.