Temporary Full-time Research Technician for WTARS

Alabama A&M University is seeking a Temporary Full-time Research Technician for the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station. The role involves supporting research in genetics and breeding of industrial crops, including tasks like data collection, protocol development, and mentoring. Candidates should have a B.S. in a related field and experience in agricultural research. The position is based in Normal, Alabama, with a salary range of $43,000 to $54,700 annually.
Salary: $43,000.00 - $54,700.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300462
Department: Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences
Opening Date: 02/14/2025
Description
Summary:
The Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at Alabama A&M University are actively seeking a Temporary Full-time Research Technician to support their ongoing research into the genetics, genomics, and breeding of industrial and bioenergy crops, including industrial hemp, Miscanthus, and sorghum. The Temporary Full-time Research Technician will assist with a range of responsibilities from project support, crop genetics and breeding, protocol development, field data (manual and drone-based) and greenhouse data collection, data processing, to scientific manuscript preparation. The role also involves maintaining laboratory and field resources, mentoring team members, and handling additional operational tasks as needed. The specific tasks will depend on the technician's unique skill set and availability and will be designated by the research supervisor.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist with research project activities, encompassing field preparation, planting, management, harvest, and post-harvest activities.
• Assist with hands-on tasks of crop genetics and breeding, including trial setup, selection, propagation, pollination, and related tasks.
• Develop new protocols and modify existing ones for efficient data collection.
• Collect, enter, file, summarize, and share data from field trials and greenhouse experiments.
• Collect drone-based image data for multiple ongoing field trials and organize and share them.
• Assist with data analysis and the preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication.
• Provide mentoring to student workers and research team members.
• Handle additional agricultural operation tasks or other tasks as needed.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
• B.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences, Crop Science, Plant Genetics and Breeding, Environmental Science, or a related field. An M.S. degree in any of these fields is a plus.
• One to three years of experience in agricultural research settings, with additional experience in the specified fields being advantageous.
• Certificate for a drone pilot license is a plus.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Demonstrable knowledge of plant genetics and proficiency in plot-scale field phenotyping.
• Experienced in both fieldwork and dry lab work, including data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of producing detailed scientific reports and presenting findings.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Highly self-motivated, able to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Able to independently design, set up, and manage field experiments and work collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have one to three years of experience in agricultural research settings, with additional experience in the specified fields being advantageous?
• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a B.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences, Crop Science, Plant Genetics and Breeding, Environmental Science, or a related field?
• Yes
• No

Required Question