Research Associate

Texas A&M University; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Teacher Retirement System enrollment

Employee Wellness Initiative

Job summary

Texas A&M University seeks a Research Associate to oversee agricultural field experiments and collect vital data on crop growth and environmental conditions in Lubbock, Texas.

The successful candidate will manage experiments, collaborate with faculty, and utilize data analysis software. A Bachelor's degree and two years of experience are required. Benefits include health insurance, paid holidays, and retirement system enrollment.

Qualifications

• Two years of related professional experience.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee agricultural field experiments, including plot layout and harvest activities.
• Collect and analyze field data related to crop growth and environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with faculty and project managers on ongoing research.

Skills

Data analysis

Field experiments management

Multitasking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

SAS

R

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Research Associate
Agency: Texas A&M AgriLife Research Department
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Job Type: Staff

Responsibilities

• Oversee the establishment, maintenance, and management of agricultural field experiments, including plot layout, planting, fertilization, irrigation, and harvest activities.
• Collect field data related to crop growth, yield, soil properties, plant health, water use, and environmental conditions following established research protocols.
• Conduct soil, plant, and water sampling in field settings using standardized methods to ensure data quality and consistency.
• Operate hand tools, small equipment, and field instruments (e.g., soil probes, moisture sensors, GPS units, weather instruments) to support research activities.
• Prepare and maintain field research sites, including plot labeling, flagging, mowing, and general upkeep of experimental areas.
• Oversee the calibration, basic maintenance, and cleaning of field and sampling equipment.
• Support safe operation of tractors, ATVs, sprayers, or other agricultural equipment when trained and authorized.
• Accurately record field observations and measurements in notebooks, datasheets, or digital data collection systems.
• Enter, organize, and perform statistical analysis on research data using data management and analysis software (SAS, R, etc.).
• Sample processing, labeling, storage, and documentation for laboratory analysis.
• Collaborate closely with faculty, project managers, research associates/assistants, and graduate students to support ongoing research projects.
• Follow research protocols, safety procedures, and institutional guidelines while working independently or as part of a team.
• Perform work outdoors in variable weather conditions, including heat, wind, dust, and uneven terrain.
• Travel up to 550 miles weekly across Texas to research sites; assist with loading, transporting, and unloading equipment and samples.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned to support agricultural research and field operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Two years of related professional experience.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data, and perform other computer‑related tasks.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Salary

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance, with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.
• Life and long‑term disability insurance contributions.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.