Research Associate (Horticulture)

Texas A&M University System; Prairie View (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, seeks a Research Associate (Horticulture) to support greenhouse and field research. The role involves planting, data collection, and maintenance of research environments, with a strong emphasis on safety and accuracy.

The position is grant-funded and continued employment depends on funding renewal. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Research Scientists and may require extended hours or weekend work as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture, or related field.
• Two years of related experience in horticulture, plant science, or greenhouse/nursery operations.
• Familiarity with laboratory/technical equipment and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Manage the seedbank, plant propagation, nursery stock, horticultural research, and experimental field trials.
• Collect, compile, calculate, maintain, and summarize experimental and field trial data.
• Monitor plant growth, soil conditions, irrigation schedules, and pest management strategies.
• Assist senior staff with major field experiments and help develop research procedures.
• Assist student workers and support undergraduate and graduate students with assigned research projects.
• Participates in college wide events and professional developments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Data collection

Laboratory equipment

Computer skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture or related field

Job description

Job Title

Research Associate (Horticulture)

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Important Immigration information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Under the general supervision of Research Scientists, the Research Associate provides technical support for research activities in the greenhouse and fields plots. This position involves performing routine tasks related to greenhouse maintenance and operation, plant care, experimental setup, data collection, plant propagation, nursery management, experimental setup, data collection, germplasm collection data management, and maintenance of research environments. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to assist with ongoing scientific studies.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the seedbank, plant propagation, nursery stock, horticultural research, and experimental field trials.
• Collect, compile, calculate, maintain, and summarize experimental and field trial data.
• Monitor plant growth, soil conditions, irrigation schedules, and pest management strategies.
• Assist senior staff with major field experiments and help develop research procedures.
• Assist student workers and support undergraduate and graduate students with assigned research projects.
• Participates in college wide events and professional developments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture or a related field.
• Two years of related experience in horticulture, plant science, or greenhouse/nursery operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 multi task and work cooperatively with others.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Willingness to build knowledge of horticulture, nomenclature, plant care, propagation techniques, and horticultural research methods.
• Ability to operate and maintain horticultural equipment.
• Willingness to obtain a Texas pesticide applicator license if required.

Job Posting Close Date:

• 08/22/2026

Required Attachments:

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Background Check Requirements:

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.