Research Associate Life Science II

Bachelor's degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

• PhD degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting field- and laboratory-based soil fertility or nutrient management research.
• Experience with applied agricultural research, data management, and interpretation of soil and plant analytical results.
• Experience working with extension, grower, or stakeholder-facing programs is preferred.

• Advanced knowledge of soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and soil management principles in agronomic cropping systems.
• Ability to independently design, implement, and troubleshoot research protocols across multiple locations and cropping systems.
• Strong analytical skills, including data quality control, statistical interpretation, and synthesis of research results.
• Ability to integrate research findings into practical recommendations and extension materials.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for scientific, extension, and stakeholder audiences.

• Work extended hours in field settings under hot and humid conditions.
• Travel long distances occasionally
• Lifting and handling of field equipment
• Driving as needed to perform job duties

• Conduct literature reviews and analyze current research findings on plant nutrition, soil fertility, and nutrient management best practices.
• Develop userfriendly extension and outreach materials-including fact sheets, presentations, infographics, and digital content-to communicate scientific information to growers, educators, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with faculty, specialists, and field agents to translate research data into practical recommendations for agricultural producers.
• Collecting, organizing, and summarizing field trial results to support evidencebased nutrient management guidance.
• Maintain and update educational resources to reflect emerging research, regulatory changes, and industry trends in soil fertility management.

• Identify grant opportunities that align with program goals and prepare required application materials, including narratives, budgets, timelines, and supporting documents.
• Drafting, editing, and formatting competitive grant proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and alignment with sponsor guidelines.
• Coordinate with faculty, administrators, and project teams to gather project details, cost estimates, and letters of support.
• Maintain organized records of grant submissions, deadlines, reporting requirements, and funding outcomes.

• Draft, edit, and format manuscripts for submission to peerreviewed journals, ensuring clarity, scientific accuracy, and adherence to publication guidelines.
• Compile and interpret research data, tables, and figures to effectively communicate study findings.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and coauthors to revise manuscripts based on internal feedback and peerreview comments.
• Conduct literature reviews to support manuscript development and ensure research is grounded in current scientific knowledge.
• Manage submission workflows, including journal selection, document preparation, and tracking manuscript revisions and publication timelines.

• Coordinate with faculty, staff, county agents, and external partners to support program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Organize meetings, workshops, field days, and other program activities, ensuring smooth communication and logistical support.
• Contribute to team projects by gathering information, preparing materials, and helping maintain timelines and deliverables.
• Foster effective communication across departments and stakeholder groups to ensure alignment of program goals and activities.