Research Associate Specialist (Water Quality Research)

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College is seeking a Research Associate to support field and lab work in a soil health program at the Red River Research Station. The role involves collaboration with postdocs and students and requires travel to field sites with occasional overnight stays.

The ideal candidate holds a BS in a related field and has field experience, crop management knowledge, and farm equipment operation skills.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Agronomy, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Chemistry, biological sciences, or a related field.
• Ideal candidate will have field experience, crop management experience, and experience operating farm equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support field and laboratory work for a soil health research program.
• Assist in projects assessing greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient management and water quality.
• Collaborate with postdocs, graduate students, undergraduate workers and collaborators from agencies.
• Travel to field sites, including overnight stays; weekend work may be required.

Skills

Field work

Data collection

Laboratory work

Farm equipment operation

Education

BS in Agronomy

BS in Environmental Science

BS in Soil Science

BS in Chemistry

BS in Biological Sciences

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Associate Specialist (Water Quality Research)

Position Type: Other Academic

Department: LSUAG PL3 - Northwest - Red River Research Station (Changyoon Jeong (00006749))

Work Location: 0103 Red River Admin. Building-New

Pay Grade: Other Academic

Job Description

This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.

Position Description

The Soil and Water Quality Lab at the Red River Research Station, LSU AgCenter, is seeking a Research Associate to support field and lab work for a research program focused on soil health analysis under different management practices.

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (BA, BS) in Agronomy, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have experience in the field, crop management, and operating farm equipment. The successful candidate will support ongoing projects assessing greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient management, and water quality.

The position involves working with postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, undergraduate student workers, and state, federal, and non-governmental organization collaborators. Travel to field sites, including overnight stays, and occasional weekend work may be required.

Qualification Requirements

Applicant must hold a BS or BA in Agronomy, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Chemistry, biological sciences, or a related field.

• working in the field and collecting field and laboratory data;
• working extended days outside during hot and cold days;
• working independently, creating work plans, meeting deadlines, and collaborating.

LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (La RS 42:36).

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter offers a benefits package with multiple options, including retirement, medical, dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, and long-term care insurance; the Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan; 14 university holidays per year, typically including a week off at Christmas; annual and sick leave; an Employee Assistance Program; and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort, and length of employment.

Application Deadline

November 11, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Date Available

Upon completion of the selection process.

Posting Date: October 28, 2026

Additional Position Information

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific b