Research Assistant

TITLE: RESEARCH ASSISTANT

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled                                       

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:   Full-Time                                            

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:  Non-Exempt                                                     

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Under general supervision, conducts investigative research, laboratory research, and farm maintenance

requiring the application and analysis of standard tests, procedures, and abilities as defined by a particular

project.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Maintain a laboratory notebook with accurate, reliable, and complete records.
• Drive University/State vehicles Assists other research staff by performing standard designated procedures associated with experiments and/or projects.
• Perform laboratory experiments in a field of agricultural/scientific research.
• Analyze data from experiments; prepares graphics and text for presentation and publication.
• Review up-to-date scientific literature extracting information relevant to ongoing, proposed, or possible research projects.
• May assist in developing written progress reports. Apply appropriate quality controls to ensure validity and reliability of results; identify results which exceed recommended or desired tolerances.
• Train student employees, graduate students and new research assistants in laboratory techniques and safety procedures; assists in coordinating work activities.
• Maintain records as required.
• Assist in maintenance of greenhouse, agricultural fields, etc.
• Maintain inventory and maintain the laboratory in a clean and orderly manner.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Agriculture or a related field; 1-2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:   

• Experience with planting and farm work.
• Knowledge of scientific literature search processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of research techniques, methods and procedures
• Knowledge of data interpretation and analysis methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of industry and government standards regarding laboratory techniques and safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of data presentation and organization methods and techniques.
• Ability to interpret experimental data accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records.
• Ability to understand and write highly technical data.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform experiments. Ability to set up laboratory experiments.
• Ability to work within the guidelines of specific projects to gather and interpret experimental data.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical activity related to farming.
• Requires handling of farming objects and equipment.
• May involve standing and/or walking up to four (4) hours per day.
• Must be able to work outside in Hot and Cold.
• Laboratory environment; may have regular exposure to biological, radiation, chemical, and mechanical hazards, vapors, fumes, and temperature variations.
• Some positions may include regular exposure to hazards associated with research animals.

KENTUCKY STATE UNVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.