What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant position at sdbor-sb?
Are you eager to contribute to innovative research that will make a visible impact? Join the research team at South Dakota State Universities West River Research Farm and help us advance our agricultural research and efforts to enhance overall quality of life of western South Dakotans. This position is located in Sturgis, South Dakota and is a 12 month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. The West River Research Farm is comprised of 111 acres located northwest of Sturgis. The farm was acquired by South Dakota State University in 2018. It focuses on agronomic and livestock research for conditions similar to those in western South Dakota. Research at the farm focuses on soil health, livestock integration, soil microbiome dynamics, plant physiology and variety trials. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Assist with the agricultural research being conducted at the West River Research Farm. This is accomplished by successfully implementing lab and field research experiments and maintaining the facilities in which these experiments take place. BENEFITS:South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or related field completed by start date;At least one year of experience working in a scientific laboratory;At least one year of experience working in an agricultural setting;Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicators License within one year of hire; Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; and Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Additional experience working with and developing laboratory assays;Experience in agricultural research; and Knowledge of statistics and related software.APPLICATION PROCESS:This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.