Research Associate Specialist

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page. Job Posting Title: Research Associate Specialist Position Type: Other Academic Department: LSUAG PL3 - Northwest - Red River Research Station (William F Waltman (00013528)) Work Location: 0101 Red River Admin. Building-New Pay Grade: Other Academic Job Description: Work Location: Red River Research Station, Bossier City, La. 71112 Position Description: The LSU AgCenter is seeking a Research Associate to support applied research and extension programming at the Red River Research Station (Bossier City, LA). This position will be divided approximately equally between row crop cultivar testing and general research station operations and support. In the area of row crop cultivar testing, the successful candidate will assist in planning, establishing, and managing row crop variety trials. Responsibilities include preparing research plots through layout and field mapping, collecting and maintaining accurate research data, and performing basic statistical analysis to assist with interpretation of results. The position also supports research activities conducted in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings and assists with harvest operations, data summaries, and reporting. In support of research station operations and extension activities, the individual will collect and record daily weather station data and assist with general field operations such as planting, spraying, and harvesting both row crops and specialty plots, including homesteader vegetable gardens. The role includes mixing and applying agricultural chemicals in accordance with label requirements, maintaining station grounds through mowing and general upkeep, and supporting operations at the Pecan Research Station and associated facilities. The employee will also assist with the preparation and execution of field days, demonstrations, and other outreach events. The research associate will work as part of the station farm crew under the supervision of the farm manager and is expected to prioritize and complete assigned tasks efficiently while adapting to changing needs and seasonal demands. This position will support a wide range of research, extension, and operational needs. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in field environments under varying conditions. Qualification Requirements: Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in agriculture, plant science, biology or a related field. A working knowledge of agricultural systems is required. Applicants must be willing and able to perform physical work outdoors. Candidate with an MS 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 agricultural systems. 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: July 17, 2026, 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 on line, they may be sent directly to: Dr. Ronald Strahan Northwest Regional Director LSU AgCenter 262 Research Station Drive Bossier City LA 71112 Phone : 318-741-7430 E-mail: rstrahan@agcenter.lsu.edu Website: www.lsuagcenter.com The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and pr vides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Additional Job Description: Competencies: None Special Instructions: Research Associate Specialist Skills Needed: Preferred Skills: Posting Date: June 24, 2026 Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): Additional Position Information: Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. 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 childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), 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. Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement. Essential Position (Y/N): About the LSU Agricultural Center: The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at www.lsuagcenter.com. The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. HCM Contact Information: Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed HRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu. LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.