Horticulture Research Associate: Field & Lab Diagnostics

Alcorn State University; Lorman (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcorn State University in Mississippi invites applications for an Associate, Research - Horticulture. The role focuses on developing portable diagnostic tools for onsite pest identification and conducting laboratory and applied research with Extension to meet state and local needs.

The candidate will mentor students, assist with grant writing, and prepare outreach materials for limited-resource farmers while coordinating with extension educators and stakeholders across southwestern Mississippi.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, or related field.
• Master's degree in related field with lab experience on molecular tools preferred.
• Hands-on experience in basic molecular techniques and fundamentals of plant pathology.

Responsibilities

• Develop protocols for portable diagnostic tools for onsite pest identification.
• Conduct laboratory and applied research with Extension addressing state and local needs.
• Maintain materials generated by the project.
• Assist data collection, evaluation, and reports.
• Assist with grant writing and budgeting and input into educational programs.
• Prepare extension outreach materials like fact sheets and brochures for limited-resource farmers.
• Mentor graduate/undergraduate students, lab technicians, and student workers.
• Make presentations of research results at conferences or meetings.
• Work with clientele across socio-economic classes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with extension educators that lead to applied research.
• Must be willing to do farm visits and travel to state events as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plant Science

Master's degree in related field

Tools

MinION sequencer

PCR

LAMP

Job description

Alcorn State University in Mississippi invites applications for an Associate, Research - Horticulture. The role focuses on developing portable diagnostic tools for onsite pest identification and conducting laboratory and applied research with Extension to meet state and local needs.

The candidate will mentor students, assist with grant writing, and prepare outreach materials for limited-resource farmers while coordinating with extension educators and stakeholders across southwestern Mississippi.