Viticulture Research & Extension Assistant

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; Michigan; On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University Extension seeks a Research Assistant to support applied research, Extension programming, and educational outreach in viticulture and specialty fruit crops. Responsibilities include field and laboratory research, data collection, and developing outreach materials.

The role offers collaboration with growers, researchers, Extension educators, and industry partners across Michigan, contributing to innovative research and outreach programs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge equal to an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or higher degree in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, engineering, biology, computer science, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Ability to perform outdoor field work under varying weather conditions.
• Experience with statistical software, GIS, programming, drones, sensors, artificial intelligence, robotics, or image analysis is desirable but not required.
• Experience or interest in agricultural research, horticulture, viticulture, specialty crops, engineering, robotics, precision agriculture, data science, or Extension programming is desirable.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across diverse groups.
• Understanding of Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials up to 25 lbs.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Assist with field and laboratory research support for viticulture and specialty crops.
• Assist with data collection, entry, analysis, and manuscript development.
• Organize and conduct Extension meetings, grower workshops, field days, and demonstrations.
• Develop Extension publications, newsletters, fact sheets, and outreach materials.
• Collaborate with MSU faculty, Extension educators, students, growers, and industry partners.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Fieldwork outdoors

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Education

Associate's or higher degree in horticulture / plant science / agriculture / engineering / biology / CS

Tools

Qualtrics

Microsoft Teams

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Michigan State University Extension seeks a Research Assistant to support applied research, Extension programming, and educational outreach in viticulture and specialty fruit crops. Responsibilities include field and laboratory research, data collection, and developing outreach materials.

The role offers collaboration with growers, researchers, Extension educators, and industry partners across Michigan, contributing to innovative research and outreach programs.