Research Associate Jobs

Job Responsibilities

The Kusi Research & Extension Program within the 1890 Research and Extension at South Carolina State University is looking for research assistant for a year. The position will be extended for subsequent years with funding from future projects. The research assistant will be part of a multi-disciplinary research group working the Project Director (PD), Dr. Nana Kusi (SC State 1890 Extension Agronomist), student intern and/or SC State 1890 extension agents as and when required. Project will be around sustainable agriculture with chickpea, cover crops, reduced or no till practices, as well as other biogeochemical soil research projects in our research group. Prior experience in an agricultural field is necessary, but not required.

/Duties

• Helping organize workshops, field days, interest group (USDA, NRCS, grade school students, etc.,) visits to the farm.
• Processing samples in the lab such as soil extractions, chemical analysis, plant grinding, and root washing as we develop the program.
• Plant population count, height measurement, soil coring, biomass sampling, greenhouse gas sampling, and/or measuring crop growth and photosynthesis.
• Data reporting using spreadsheet, document, or presentation formats.
• Applicants should be eager to work and be comfortable with both physical work in the field and indoor/laboratory conditions.
• Data analysis – entry of data into spreadsheets, data sorting, data processing – all computational
• Plant maintenance in the field may involve some weekend/holiday responsibilities like pesticide or irrigation application.
• Assisting the PI and farm team with planting, harvesting, field maintenance, pesticide application, seed inventory, and other management practices.

Job Requirements

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Work outdoors in varying weather for extended periods of time.
• Lift up to 30 lbs.
• Minimum education required: Associate diploma
• The applicant should also have a valid driver’s license or be prepared to secure one and have a clean driving record to enable the use of university vehicles.
• Standing, lifting, bending.

Additional Comments

The paid position will be hourly on Monday to Friday, excluding University and Federal holiday

approximately 37.5 hours per week (part-time NOT available). Benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, and retirement that comes with South Carolina State employees is included. The position is open until filled and the job is available to Start by June 1, 2023, pending a successful criminal background investigation.

The Kusi Research & Extension group believes that everyone should have equal access to science, and we

strive to create an environment that welcomes and respects diversity in all its forms—including cultural,

racial, religious, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and mental wellbeing.