Research Assistant I

Michigan State University College of Engineering; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University College of Engineering in East Lansing invites applications for a Research Assistant I in Crop Science. The role supports field trials, data collection, and stakeholder communication to advance agronomic recommendations for corn, soybean, and winter wheat.

You'll manage field activities, assist with data analysis, train student employees, and help maintain equipment and resources. The appointment is a 12-month contract with renewal based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in Agronomy, Crop and Soil Sciences, or related field.
• 1–3 years of field crop, equipment operation, and research experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management.
• Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicators license required within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day research projects and data.
• Assist with field preparation, in-season crop management, and harvesting.
• Communicate updates to program website and stakeholders.
• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising student employees.
• Maintain laboratory and field equipment and inventories.

Skills

Field work

Data collection

Data entry

Communication

Microsoft Office

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Auto-guidance systems

GPS equipment

Job description

Position Summary

The Cropping Systems Agronomy program (Cropping Systems Agronomy) in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University is hiring a Research Assistant I. The overarching program goal is to develop agronomic recommendations for corn, soybean, and winter wheat-based cropping systems. This position will support research and extension activities of the program. Primary duties of the position include management of field trials, data collection, program resources, and communication with stakeholders. Specific responsibilities and expected time commitment include:

30%- Project management. This includes:

• Oversee day to day management of various research projects.
• Assist with collection of data and research samples using project-specific protocols.
• Oversee data entry, organize data files, and prepare data for analysis.
• Assist with da ta analysis and report writing.

20%- Field research activities. This includes:

• Assist staff with field preparation, in-season crop management, and harvesting of research trials.
• Travel to various Michigan field site locations as needed.

20%- Communication with stakeholders. This includes:

• Regular updates to program website and social media accounts.
• Communication with cooperators on research and extension activities.

20%- Training and supervision of employees. This includes:

• Aid in hi ring, training, and supervision of student employees.
• Coordinate employee safety trainings and maintain records.

10%- Management of program resources. This includes:

• Safe operation and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.
• Purchase and keep an accurate inventory of supplies and equipment.

Appointment Basis

12 month s from date of hire; renewable annually subject to performance and continuation of funding

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Agronomy, Crop and Soil Sciences, or other related science fields; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in managing field crops, operating and maintaining field research and farm equipment, standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements, and performing analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed; Proficiency with Microsoft Office computer programs, organization and maintenance of research data or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicators license is required within six months of hire.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in a team environment and managing shared resources.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in conducting field trials and communication of results to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in operating and repairing field research equipment with auto-guidance and variable rate technologies.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Names and contact information for Three (3) professional References

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description Of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with renewal possible contingent upon funding.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

Summary Of Physical Demands

• Lifting up to 50lbs of the following from floor/waist height (15Min on average ): seed bags, fertilizer, and equipment parts.
• Carrying up to 50lb of the following a distance of 50 feet (15 Min on average ): seed and fertilizer bags.
• Pushing/Pulling (15 Min on average)
• Carrying seed and fertilizer bags
• Climbing (10 Minutes)
• Climbing ladder/stair with bags of seed or fertilizer

Summary Of Health Risks

• Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides
• Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas.
• Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license but does require medical

Certification

• VEHICLES:
  • Have a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more but less than 26,001 pounds.
• COMBINATION VEHICLES:
  • Having a combined gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds.

Review of applications will begin August 24, 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Bidding eligibility ends August 18, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.