Work Location:  School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, LSU campus, Baton Rouge, LA. 

Position Description: The Research Associate will play a crucial role in supporting research activities related to turfgrass, turfgrass alternatives, and ornamental plants. This position involves hands-on work in the field, assisting with experiments, data collection, and maintaining research plots. The ideal candidate should have a passion for turfgrass science, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.  

The Research Associate will conduct field and greenhouse trials to evaluate the effects of various turfgrass management techniques across diverse agronomic settings, such as rights-of-way, home lawns, golf courses and other managed turfgrass systems. Proficiency in greenhouse and field trial methodologies, along with data collection and statistical analysis, will be helpful in this role. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, well-organized, and adept at communicating findings. 

This position entails supporting field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments within a research program centered on sustainable turfgrass, turfgrass alternative, and ground cover management. Working alongside undergraduate and graduate students, and principal investigators, the individual will contribute to the initiation, monitoring, and summarization of experiments to achieve research goals. Ongoing research areas encompass turfgrass establishment, fertilizer and irrigation management, weed control, plant growth regulator strategies, and pesticide environmental impact, all aimed at developing comprehensive vegetation management protocols. 

This is a full-time position for a period of 2 years, with an annual appointment.

 
Position Responsibilities: This position requires performing the following work activities. 

1.    Plot Maintenance / Establishment

• Establish turfgrass plots from seed, sprigs, or sod.
• Perform common tasks such as mowing, fertilizing, and cultivation.
• Apply pesticides to research plots following established protocols.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems is preferred but not required.

2.    Research Trials

• Assist in the installation and maintenance of turfgrass and ornamental research trials, in the field and greenhouse setting.
• Monitor turfgrass growth and assess the impact of treatments through data collection.
• Record observations accurately and maintain organized records.
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure data integrity.

3.    Collaboration

• Work closely with research faculty, graduate students, and other team members.
• Responsible for plot layout, treatment application, and experimental design.
• Participate in team meetings and discussions.

Qualification Requirements:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science, horticulture, or a related field is preferred.
Experience: Prior experience in turfgrass management, research, or related work is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Basic knowledge of turfgrass maintenance techniques.
• Ability to operate relevant equipment (mowers, sprayers, aerifiers).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with word processing, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience driving trucks with trailers.
• Familiarity with turfgrass data collection techniques.
• Experience driving trucks with trailers.
• Interest in precision agriculture and remote sensing, using drones and other emerging technologies.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.  The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.  Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. 

Date Available:  Upon completion of the selection process. 

Application Deadline: August 13, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is identified. 

Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:  

Dr. Eric DeBoer 
School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences 
104 Sturgis Hall, LSU AgCenter 
Baton Rouge, LA 70810 
E-mail: edeboer@agcenter.lsu.edu 
Web Site:  www.lsuagcenter.com 

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.