Student Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a dependable, motivated Student Assistant to support the Agricultural, Computational, and Environmental Lab (ACE) in Plant and Soil Sciences. You will assist in laboratory and research-support activities, working closely with a PhD student and faculty lead, gaining hands-on experience from sample collection through publication.

No prior research experience is required, and training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn new skills and follow detailed protocols
• Output-oriented
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Reliability and attention to detail
• Undergraduate chemistry laboratory experience
• Coursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field
• Valid driver's license

Responsibilities

• Laboratory support: Assist a PhD student with sample preparation, processing, and analysis, following established protocols and lab safety procedures
• Sample and lab organization: Label, catalog, and store samples; keep inventory of supplies; maintain a clean, organized lab space
• Data management: Enter, organize, and quality-check research data and keep records accurate
• Publication support: Help prepare research papers and book materials (e.g., formatting, managing references, preparing figures and tables)
• Vehicle upkeep: Help with routine care of lab vehicles (e.g., cleaning, scheduling service, tracking maintenance)
• Team support: Assist other lab members with research activities as needed
• Michellaneous: Assist to move to a new building: preparing, packing, and transporting equipment and samples…etc

Skills

Willingness to learn

Output-oriented

Teamwork

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Student pursuing a degree at UK

Tools

Excel

Job description

Student Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences

Job Title Student Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences

Requisition Number

Requisition Number DU12421

Department Name

Department Name 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Salary Range

Salary Range $13.00-$17.00/hour

Type of Position

Type of Position Student

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Part-Time

Required Education

Student pursuing a degree at UK

Required Related Experience

Willingness to learn new skills and follow detailed protocols

Output-oriented

Ability to work well as part of a team

Clear written and verbal communication skills
Reliability and attention to detail

Required License/Registration/Certification

Driver’s license

Physical Requirements

Office space will be provided

Work takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settings

Moving may involve walking, working in hot or cold weather, and lifting

Shift

1–20 hours per week Flexible schedule (up to candidate)

Job Summary

Part-Time Student Assistant

Setting: In-person

Hourly 1–20 hours per week | Flexible schedule (up to candidate)

Hourly rate: $13~17/hr depending on experience

About the Lab

The Agricultural, Computational, and Environmental Lab ( ACE ) at the University of Kentucky, led by Dr. Katsutoshi Mizuta, studies soil health and agroecosystem using various cutting-edge data-driven methods with AI and a big data to improve soil management and precision agriculture. Our team combines laboratory analysis, field sampling, and data science to address practical problems for growers and land managers.

About the Position

We are seeking a dependable, motivated student assistant to support laboratory and research-support activities. You will work closely with a PhD student and the faculty lead, and you’ll gain hands‑on experience in how soil research is carried out from sample collection through publication. No prior research experience is required, and training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory support: Assist a PhD student with sample preparation, processing, and analysis, following established protocols and lab safety procedures
• Sample and lab organization: Label, catalog, and store samples; keep inventory of supplies; maintain a clean, organized lab space
• Data management: Enter, organize, and quality-check research data and keep records accurate
• Publication support: Help prepare research papers and book materials (e.g., formatting, managing references, preparing figures and tables)
• Vehicle upkeep: Help with routine care of lab vehicles (e.g., cleaning, scheduling service, tracking maintenance)
• Team support: Assist other lab members with research activities as needed
• Michellaneous: Assist to move to a new building: preparing, packing, and transporting equipment and samples…etc

Required Qualifications

• Willingness to learn new skills and follow detailed protocols
• Output-oriented
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Reliability and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate chemistry laboratory experience
• Coursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field
• Valid driver’s license
• Basic familiarity with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)

Working Conditions

Office space will be provided

Work takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settings

Moving may involve walking, working in hot or cold weather, and lifting

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on training in soil laboratory methods and field sampling
• Experience with real research projects, from data collection to publication
• Mentoring from a faculty member and graduate student
• A strong reference for graduate school, internships, or future jobs
• Duration: However long possible depending on candidates’ schedule and funding situations.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Attention to detail; ability to work independently; excellent communication skills. Experience in coding and/or GIS if possible.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Undergraduate chemistry laboratory experience
• Coursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field
• Valid driver’s license
• Basic familiarity with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 12/31/2026

Our University Community

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).