(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position through 3/31/26. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.)
Work Location: Dean Lee Research and Extension Center, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Alexandria, Louisiana.
Position Description: This position's primary purpose is to support and assist with coordination of the weed science research program for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, oats, soybean, sesame, and wheat. The successful applicant will focus their efforts at the Dean Lee Research Station, but some travel will be required to conduct off-station research. The applicant should have some working knowledge of agronomic crop production. Duties will involve soil sampling, record keeping, scouting fields, spraying, planting, harvest of research plots, and maintenance of agricultural equipment used in the program. Equipment usage and maintenance will include: allterrain vehicles, trailers, weigh wagons, tractors, and sprayers. The ability to operate and experience operating farm equipment is preferred. The applicant should be proficient in Word, Excel, Power Point, and other applicable programs. The applicant will assist the project leader and other associates in maintaining and facilitating information exchange on the LSU AgCenter Webpages. The applicant selected will be expected to develop working relationships with station scientists, other associates, extension agents, and agribusiness personnel.
Qualification Requirements: Bachelor's degree in plant sciences, agronomy, horticulture, plant pest management, other agricultural curriculums or related discipline from an accredited college or university. Computer skills required. Farming and or research experience is highly desirable, but not necessary. Candidates with non-agricultural degrees may be considered depending on other experiences:
Research Associate. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field of plant science. A master's degree is desired. Applicants with a degree in another agricultural or basic science field will be considered qualifying provided they possess significant work experience in a plant science area.
LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (La RS 42:36).
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: September 29, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wdl.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. Stephen Ippolito
Assistant Professor-Weed Science
Dean Lee Research Station/ LSU AgCenter
Alexandria, LA 71302
Email: sippolito@agcenter.lsu.edu
Phone: (318) 473-6520
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
