Research Associate Specialist (Water Quality Research)

Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

retirement

medical insurance

dental insurance

life insurance

long-term disability insurance

vision insurance

long-term care insurance

Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan

14 university holidays per year

Job summary

Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter seeks a Research Associate at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City, LA. The grant-funded, non-tenure track position focuses on soil health analysis under various management practices and involves field and laboratory duties.

Applicants should hold a BS/BA in Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related fields, and be prepared for fieldwork, occasional travel, and collaboration with diverse teams, including external partners.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory data collection.
• Support projects on greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient management, and water quality.
• Work with postdocs, graduate students, and collaborators; occasional travel to field sites.

Skills

Field data collection

Outdoor work

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

BS/BA in Agronomy, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Chemistry or related field

Job description

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

Position Type: Other Academic. Pay Grade: Other Academic.

Work Location: Red River Research Station, Bossier City, LA 71112.

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 successful candidate will support ongoing projects assessing greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient management, and water quality, and will work 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.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

• retirement
• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• life insurance
• long-term disability insurance
• accident insurance
• vision insurance
• long-term care insurance
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan
• 14 university holidays per year, typically including a week off at Christmas
• annual leave
• sick leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System

Background Check

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

Additional Position Information

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Application Deadline

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

DATE AVAILABLE

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

ABOUT THE LSU AGRICULTURAL CENTER

The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at www.lsuagcenter.com.

The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed [e-mail].