Research Assistant - Geospatial Application and Environment

Kentucky State University; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentucky State University seeks a Research Assistant in Geospatial Application and Environment to support eddy covariance, drone deployment, and geospatial analysis across multiple funded projects. Responsibilities include fieldwork, data collection, and contribution to publications.

The role requires coordinating laboratory, field, and environmental monitoring activities, data management, and collaboration with the Soil Health Group to advance carbon dynamics research.

Qualifications

• Experience with eddy covariance data collection and maintenance.
• Ability to process large environmental datasets and run analyses.
• Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing tools.
• Experience with SWAT or similar modeling software.
• Strong technical writing and ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a team setting.
• Knowledge of QA/QC procedures and data management.
• Capability to supervise students and research staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and investigate experiments on carbon dynamics using flux towers.
• Manage data from flux tower installations and ensure quality checks.
• Lead soil sampling campaigns and support soil carbon modeling.
• Design and maintain lab, field, and greenhouse experiments.
• Perform lab and field measurements as required.
• Manage datasets and assist with reporting and publishing graphics.
• Develop progress reports and sponsor deliverables.
• Maintain research infrastructure and safety compliance.
• Train and mentor students supporting research.
• Engage in outreach and stakeholder events.

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Research Assistant - Geospatial Application and Environment

TITLE:Research Assistant Geospatial Application and Environment

DEPARTMENT: Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Environmental Security, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

CLASSIFICATION:Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE:TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS:37.5 hours per week

LOCATION:On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant Position in The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University would serve as a support person for the research or extension program and will participate in research duties specific to the objectives of the proposal funding sources. The position supports the experimental and agronomic research components of funded projects, including field, laboratory, and environmental monitoring using eddy covariance; drone deployment and geospatial analysis; and social research actively assisting with data collection, analysis, reporting, and the dissemination of findings through publications, presentations, and progress reports.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• LeadandinvestigateexperimentsexaminingcarbondynamicsofreclaimedminedlandsinEastern Kentucky as part of the Appalachia Renewal Project using the Eddy Covariance flux tower.
• Manage, maintain, andcollectdatafromeddycovariance(fluxtower)installationsinMartinCounty, Eastern Kentucky, including routine field checks, sensor troubleshooting, and continuity assurance.
• LeadsoilsamplingcampaignsacrossKentuckyandnearbyMesonetstationstosupportsoilcarbon model development under the 1890 Multi-state Climate and Long-term Agroecosystems Research projects.
• Leadindesigning,implementing,andmaintaininglaboratory,field,andgreenhouseexperiments supporting the Soil Health Group in accordance with project protocols and safety standards.
• Performlaboratoryandfieldexperiments,includingsoilsampling,samplepreparation/processing,and relevant chemical/physical measurements as required by project objectives.
• Collect,enter,manage,andanalyzedatasetsrelatedtosoil,water,sediments,anderosionusingSWAT and other analytical/modeling tools; support interpretation of results.
• Supportsocio-economicresearchcomponentsofinterdisciplinaryprojectsasassigned(surveysupport, coding/cleaning, descriptive/inferential analysis) and integrate findings with biophysical outcomes for reporting.
• ApplyQA/QCprocedurestoensurevalidityandreliabilityofresults;identifyoutcomesthatexceed tolerances, document corrective actions, and maintain reproducible workflows.
• Maintaincompleteandaccuraterecords(fieldlogs,laboratorynotebooks,metadata/datadictionaries, and organized digital project files); maintain inventory and keep laboratory spaces clean, safe, and orderly.
• Review up-to-date scientific literature to support method selection, interpretation, and development of ongoing, proposed, or emerging research activities.
• Analyzedatafromexperimentsandintegratedcomponentsasassigned;preparepublication-quality graphics, maps, tables, and text for manuscripts, presentations, extension materials, and sponsor reporting.
• Assistindevelopingprogressreports,technicalsummaries,andgrant-supportmaterialsalignedwith sponsor requirements and project timelines.
• Assist with maintenance of research infrastructure, including greenhouses, farm facilities, and field sitesasneeded;demonstrateabilitytoworkindependentlyinfarming/researchactivitiesandcontribute effectively to team-based projects.
• Train,supervise,andmentorresearchassistantsandgraduate,undergraduate,andhighschoolstudents supporting thesis, capstone, practicum, and project-based research.
• Facilitateandconductinformationaltalks,tours,andoutreachatfielddays,stakeholdermeetings,and professional events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledgeofeddycovarianceprinciplesandabilitytooperate,maintain,andtroubleshootaflux tower and meteorological sensors.
• Abilitytoprocess,qualitycheck,andmanagelargeGHGandmicrometeorologicaldatasetsusing appropriate methods and software.
• Proficiencyinstatisticalanalysisandvisualization,producingpublication-readytables,figures,and graphics for reports and manuscripts.
• AbilitytouseGIS,remotesensing,andtoolssuchasSWAT, includingintegrationofmultipledata sources.
• Knowledgeoflab,field,andgreenhouseresearchmethods,includingexperimental setupand implementation.
• Socialandsocio-economicresearchknowledgeisanadvantage,includingsurveysupport,datacoding and cleaning, and basic analysis.
• Abilityto search andsynthesizescientificliteratureforresearch planning andinterpretation.
• KnowledgeofQAandsafetystandards,includingsafehandlingproceduresandcompliance requirements.
• Abilitytooperate andmaintainlabandfieldequipmentandfollowprojectprotocols.
• Strongtechnicalwritingforprogressreports,summaries,andsponsor deliverables.
• Strongcommunicationand teamwork,withtheabilityto work independentlyand meet deadlines.
• Strongorganizationandrecordkeeping,includingdocumentationandinventorycontrol.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Licensing and Certifications:

• FAAPart 107certifiedforsUASdroneflights,ortheability tomaintain certification.
• ValidDriver’sLicenseandabilityto travel locallyforfieldwork asneeded.

PHYSICALREQUIREMENTS:

• Mustbeableto travel,primarilyin-state(30%).
• Occasionallymayneedtomovelightequipmentandcarrysupplies,publications,andneeded equipment for demonstration and training programs.
• Abilitytocarryobjectsover50pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Laboratoryenvironment;mayhaveregularexposuretobiological,radiation,chemical,and mechanical hazards, vapors, fumes, and temperature variations.
• Somepositionsmayincluderegularexposuretohazardsassociatedwithbiologicalandchemical research.
• Maywork outsidein adverseweatherconditions.
• Workinvolvesconsiderableexposuretounusualelements,suchasextremetemperaturesand humidity.
• Extensivephysicalactivity.Requiresstrenuousphysicalwork;heavylifting,pushing,orpulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
• Workenvironmentinvolvessomeexposuretohazardsorphysicalrisks,whichrequirefollowingbasic safety precautions.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.