Staff Research Associate 2- Parlier, CA, Job ID 85496

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; Parlier (CA); On-site; USD 43,022 - 54,552; Full time

Job summary

A prominent agricultural research institution in California is seeking an Agronomic Research Assistant to provide critical support for sorghum research activities. The role includes conducting agronomic practices, statistical analysis of data collected, and assistance in outreach programs. The candidate should have a BS degree in Plant Sciences and relevant skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and effective communication. This position offers hybrid flexible work arrangements for California residents.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Plant Sciences or equivalent experience.
• Experience in researching, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with agronomic responsibilities for sorghum research plots.
• Perform statistical analysis of research data.
• Participate in outreach and extension programs.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Data collection and harvesting

Research equipment operation

Communication

Education

BS degree in Plant Sciences or related field

Tools

Statistical software

Research equipment

Job description

Position Summary

Under supervision, provide agronomic, modeling, and statistical support for various sorghum research activities which may include forage, grain, biomass, and hay sorghums, and other agronomic crops. Assist with planning and implementing sorghum research plots which may include planting plans, planting, data collection, some statistical analysis and work on validation of modeling programs used by the research program. This position is a career appointment that is 50% variable. The home department is the UC Merced Specialist. While this position normally is based in Parlier, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale

Pay Scale: $31.23/hour to $39.60/hour.

Job Posting Close Date

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 4/24/2026.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% AGRONOMIC RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SORGHUM RESEARCH PLOTS

  Assist PI with plan, plant, data collection, and yield harvest of various sorghum research plots. Duties under the direct supervision of the PI would include planning and layout of field maps and field plantings, overseeing typical agronomic practices related to sorghum, monitoring plant growth and development, data collections, and harvest. Help assist in monitoring sorghum drought and salinity nurseries.

• 30% DATA ANALYSIS AND STATISTICAL WORK

  Maintain excellent records of work performed: lab notebook, electronic data entry and computer-aided analysis. Ensure that data is properly recorded for statistical analysis. Perform initial statistical analyses of research data.

• 10% OUTREACH AND EXTENSION

  Participate in the preparation and delivery of outreach and extension programs based on results from data-driven research plots.

Requirements

• BS degree in Plant Sciences or related field or combination of theoretical training and experience equivalent to a BS degree.
• Knowledge and skills to independently select, set up, adjust, modify, calibrate, and operate a wide range of research equipment with precision and accuracy.
• Knowledge and skills to use proprietary computer and research equipment applications and keep up with emerging technologies applicable to a complex research support environment.
• Experience in researching, collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting data, along with accurate record keeping and data entry.
• Skills in data collection and harvesting of annual crops, with the ability to protect sample and data integrity.
• Knowledge of work protection, safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Skills to prioritize, assist in the coordination of resources, communicate, make accurate work estimates, meet deadlines, and conduct regular audits of research activities.

Preferred Skills

• Skills to train staff interns to assure technical consistency and adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Experience in planning and deliver extension and outreach activities.
• Journey-level agriculture, plant science, entomology, weed science, agronomy, and/or crop production skills to independently perform a diverse range of research support activities.
• Experience working with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench).
• Skills to evaluate equipment, sample, and environmental conditions.
• Knowledge and skills in specialized research equipment, facilities, and procedures required for specific field research and general support related to the greenhouse, postharvest.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
• Misconduct means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  1. UCSexualViolenceandSexualHarassmentPolicy
  2. UCAnti-DiscriminationPolicy
  3. AbusiveConductintheWorkplace