Graduate Research Assistant

Southern Weed Science Society; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Extension is seeking a graduate assistant (M.S. level) to start in Spring 2027.

The successful candidate will perform agronomic and vegetable field work to support Maryland producers, evaluating cover crops to improve weed management while reducing herbicide reliance. The role emphasizes independent work, strong writing skills, and collaboration with the Wye Research and Education Center, with on-campus classes and research at the Wye location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Driver's license (Noncommercial Class C) required.
• Admission as a full-time graduate student at the University of Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Perform agronomic and vegetable field work to support Maryland producers.
• Investigate cover crops integration for weed management and reduced herbicide use.
• Evaluate cover cropping strategies, below-ground effects, profitability, soil and pest benefits; explore drones and robots for weed management.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong writing skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, biology, botany, horticulture, plant ecology, or related field

Job description

The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA)/University of Maryland Extension (UME) is inviting applications for a graduate assistant (M.S. level) to start in Spring 2027. The candidate will gain technical experience performing agronomic and vegetable field work to support increased and continued profitability of Maryland producers. Specifically, the student will investigate how cover crops can be integrated into vegetable production systems to improve weed management while reducing reliance on herbicides and addressing herbicide-resistant weeds. The student will evaluate cover cropping strategies, below-ground effects, profitability, soil and pest benefits, and innovative technologies such as drones and robots to develop practical weed management approaches for vegetable growers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in agronomy, crop science, soil science, biology, botany, horticulture, plant ecology, or related field.
• Valid Noncommercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license
• Admission as a full-time graduate student at the University of Maryland.

Position Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong attention to details.
• The position requires attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and strong communication and writing skills.
• Candidate is expected to take classes on campus at the University of Maryland College Park, and spend a significant amount of time conducting research at the University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center.
• Candidate must provide own transportation
• Physical labor expected. Candidate should be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds, and be able to work outdoors in temperatures exceeding 85 F.

Competitive M.S. graduate research assistantship stipend, commensurate with University of Maryland rates.

Location

University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658,

Closing Date

09/17/2026

Date Position Available

University of Maryland

University of Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC, and offersopportunities for collaboration with many national research institutions located nearby. Additionally,University of Maryland, in conjunction with the Maryland Experiment Station, operates four research andeducation centers at seven locations across the state within driving distance of College Park. This includes the Wye Research and Education Center. Situated on 1,000 acres on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Center’s location makes it an ideal site for research focusing on preserving the health and vitality of the Chesapeake Bay, sustaining agricultural productivity, product diversity, and maintaining Maryland’s valued quality of life. Considered “America in Miniature”, Maryland offers residents numerous and varied cultural and recreationalopportunities within a reasonable traveling distance.