Research Assistant/Associate

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Auburn University in Auburn, AL, seeks a research professional to maintain long-term agricultural experiments and agronomic teaching gardens on campus. The role includes assisting in managing Official Variety Trials for cotton, corn, grain sorghum, peanut, ryegrass, small grains and soybean, and supervising undergraduate student workers.

You will schedule, monitor, and maintain records, procure equipment, assist with machinery, and ensure compliance with pesticide procedures and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Soil Science, Crop Science, or closely related field.
• Experience with plot-scale research trials (Level II) preferred.
• Desirable knowledge of pesticide application procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, and maintain historic agricultural experiments on campus (Old Rotation, Cullars Rotation).
• Maintain agronomic teaching gardens and manage related records and schedules.
• Assist in managing Official Variety Trials for cotton, corn, grain sorghum, peanut, ryegrass, small grains, and soybean across Alabama.
• Supervise undergraduate student workers in field settings.
• Ensure compliance with pesticide procedures and other regulations.

Skills

Plot-scale research

Pesticide application knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science, Crop Science, or closely related field

Master’s degree in Soil Science, Crop Science, or closely related field

Job description

Overview

The individual in this position will be responsible for maintaining long-term agricultural experiments and agronomic teaching gardens on Auburn University’s campus. The individual will also be expected to assist in managing Official Variety trials for cotton, corn, grain sorghum, peanut, ryegrass, small grains, and soybean. This position is located at Auburn University in Auburn, AL.

Responsibilities

• Planning, overseeing, and maintaining historic agricultural experiments on Auburn University’s campus, including the Old Rotation (est. 1896) and Cullars Rotation (est. 1911).
• Planning, overseeing, and maintaining teaching gardens on Auburn University’s campus, including the agronomic crops teaching garden and perennial forage teaching garden.
• Interacting with individuals and groups for tours and presentations on historic agricultural experiments and teaching gardens.
• Assisting in managing Official Variety Trials for cotton, corn, grain sorghum, peanut, ryegrass, small grains, and soybean throughout the state of Alabama.
• Scheduling, monitoring, and maintaining records of research.
• Procuring equipment and supplies to sustain research projects.
• Assist with machinery operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ensuring compliance with pesticide application, procedure, and standards, as well as other regulations specific to execution of job responsibilities.
• Supervising undergraduate student workers in the field.

Qualifications

Research Assistant:

• Level I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field.

• Level II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience working with plot-scale research trials.

Research Associate:

• Level I: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field.

• Level II: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Soil Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience working with plot-scale research trials.

Desired Qualifications:

• Certified Pesticide Applicator License (D&R Preferred)
• Knowledge and experience with row crop research

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.

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.

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

9/9/2026