Research Assistant/ Associate

Auburn; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to support its agricultural drone project within the Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences. The role involves assisting with spray trials, managing and repairing a drone fleet, and conducting field studies to advance agricultural innovation.

Minimum qualifications range from a bachelor’s degree for Assistant to a master’s for Associate, with experience levels increasing by level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or closely related field at the time employment begins.
• Level I requires no experience; Level II requires 2 years; Level III requires 4 years; Level IV requires 6 years of research experience.
• For Research Associate, a Master’s degree from an accredited institution is required at the time employment begins.
• Substitutions allowed: education can substitute for experience at a rate of one year education per year of experience.
• Desirable qualifications include field-applied research in pesticide applications and crop production, ag drone/remote sensing experience, and data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project team spray trials.
• Manage drone fleet.
• Repair drones.
• Conduct field studies.
• Manage project progress and data.
• Organize drone events.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate student workers in the field.
• Attend professional conferences to promote Auburn studies and project team.

Skills

Data management

Field research

Drone operation

Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy/Crop Science/Plant Breeding

Master’s degree in Agronomy/Crop Science/Plant Breeding (for Associate level)

Tools

Drone fleet management

Remote sensing

Job description

Overview

Join the College of Agriculture at Auburn University as a Research Assistant/Associate and help shape the future of agricultural innovation.

The individual in this position will assist with Auburn's agricultural drone project within the Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences, supporting research efforts that leverage emerging technologies to address real-world agricultural challenges.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project team spray trials.
• Manage drone fleet.
• Repair drones.
• Conduct field studies.
• Manage project progress and data.
• Organize drone events.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate student workers in the field.
• Attend professional conferences, expos, and tradeshows and promote AU studies and project team to generate national and international impact.

Qualifications

Research Assistant: All levels require a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or closely related field at the time employment begins.

Level I:

• No experience required.

Level II:

• 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level III:

• 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level IV:

• 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Research Associate: All levels require a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or closely related field at the time employment begins.

Level I:

• No experience required.

Level II:

• 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level III:

• 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level IV:

• 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Minimum License and Certifications:

• Successful candidate is expected to obtain Alabama commercial pesticide license-D&R category and FAA part 107 remote pilot license within 3 months of employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to selection.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Desired qualifications include the following:

• Field applied research in pesticide applications and crop production
• Working experience in ag drone and remote sensing
• Data management and analysis skills

Contract Type

Limited Term

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education?

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

10/2/2026