Research Specialist I

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Job Description

The Research Specialist I supports field-based research activities related to soil health, soil carbon, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable agricultural practices at the PVAMU research farm. The position assists with the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of research equipment and sensors; collects soil and environmental data; and operates specialized instruments, including TraceGas analyzers. The Research Specialist I works collaboratively with principal investigators, faculty, researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students to support project implementation, data collection, field demonstrations, and outreach activities. The position also assists with maintaining project records, coordinating research-related activities, and updating the project website.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct fieldwork and data collection at the PVAMU research farm, including monitoring planting activities, soil amendments, and project interventions; installing, inspecting, and maintaining field equipment and sensors; collecting soil samples; and measuring soil health, soil carbon, greenhouse gas emissions, and other in situ research parameters.
• Analyze, organize, document, and securely store research data; prepare datasets, summaries, presentations, and other materials for investigators and collaborators; and maintain or update project-related website content.
• Support project management activities by assisting the Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigators, and project leads with coordinating research activities, monitoring project progress, maintaining records, and collaborating with other researchers within the college.
• Assist undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and researchers with field experiments, data collection, research activities, and field demonstrations.
• Participate in outreach and educational activities, including field demonstrations and presentations for students, farmers, stakeholders, and other program audiences. Participates in college wide events and professional development activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Four years of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge about cropping system and soil amendments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Considerable experience in field work, laboratory analytical techniques, field research design, and project implementations.
• Strong interest in working with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, educators, and staff.
• Ability to organize tasks and prioritize work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of field experiments.
• Experience and/or skills for outreach activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of soil sample collection and analysis.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

Job Posting Close Date:

• 09/24/2026

Required Attachments:

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box. Anyadditionalattachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:

All applicantsare required toapply via our Career Site on or before the closing dateindicatedon the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed,HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position viathe PVAMU Careersite.

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing dateindicatedto ensure full consideration for the applicationsubmitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing dateindicatedabove at 936-261-1730 or [email protected] should you needassistancewith the online application process.

Background Check Requirements:

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.