Research Associate

Job Title
Research Associate

Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department
Lubbock

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Lubbock, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Research Associate performs independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent use of discretion and judgment. Prepare proposals for funding agencies, operation of research equipment, supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.

Responsibilities:

Field Research & Data Collection

• Oversee the establishment, maintenance, and management of agricultural field experiments, including plot layout, planting, fertilization, irrigation, and harvest activities.
• Collect field data related to crop growth, yield, soil properties, plant health, water use, and environmental conditions following established research protocols.
• Conduct soil, plant, and water sampling in field settings using standardized methods to ensure data quality and consistency.
• Operate hand tools, small equipment, and field instruments (e.g., soil probes, moisture sensors, GPS units, weather instruments) to support research activities.

Equipment & Site Maintenance

• Prepare and maintain field research sites, including plot labeling, flagging, mowing, and general upkeep of experimental areas.
• Oversee the calibration, basic maintenance, and cleaning of field and sampling equipment.
• Support safe operation of tractors, ATVs, sprayers, or other agricultural equipment when trained and authorized.

Data Management & Documentation

• Accurately record field observations and measurements in notebooks, datasheets, or digital data collection systems.
• Enter, organize, and perform statistical analysis on research data using data management and analysis software (SAS, R, etc.).
• Sample processing, labeling, storage, and documentation for laboratory analysis.

Research Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with faculty, project managers, research associates/assistants, and graduate students to support ongoing research projects.
• Follow research protocols, safety procedures, and institutional guidelines while working independently or as part of a team.

General Duties

• Perform work outdoors in variable weather conditions, including heat, wind, dust, and uneven terrain.
• Travel to research sites (60 to 550 miles) weekly across Texas and assist with loading, transporting, and unloading equipment and samples.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned to support agricultural research and field operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Two years of related professional experience.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.
• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.