Agriculture, Agronomy, Analysis Skills, Botany, Communication Skills, DNA, Environmental Research, Environmental Sciences, Genetics, Laboratory Operations, Leadership, Microbiology, Microorganism, Microscopic Analysis, Microscopy, Multitasking, Operational Support, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project/Program Coordination, Publications, Record Keeping, Research Protocols, Scientific Research, Soil Microbiology, Soil Science, Specimen Collection, State Laws and Regulations, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Writing Skills
About This Role
The Assistant Scientist will support an integrated research program focused on plant-soil-microbe interactions in agricultural systems. This position will contribute to laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, and field-based research activities investigating factors that influence rhizosphere microbial communities, beneficial soil microorganisms, and plant performance. Responsibilities include coordinating and conducting experiments; collecting, processing, and analyzing biological, soil, and plant samples; maintaining detailed research records and databases; assisting with molecular, microscopic, and microbiological analyses; contributing to field research activities; and supporting general laboratory operations. The Assistant Scientist will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators to ensure successful implementation of research projects and timely completion of project objectives.
About Us
The Department of Agronomy, together with the Research and Extension Centers, provides statewide leadership for teaching, research, and extension activities in plant breeding, crop production, range science, soil science, and weed sciences and contributes substantially to activities in genetics, water science, and environmental sciences.
Worksite Description
This position is On-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
What You'll Need to Succeed
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires a bachelor's degree. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. This degree requirement ensures candidates possess the scientific knowledge, research methodology and analytical skills essential for designing studies, interpreting data and contributing to scholarly publications. These competencies are typically developed and validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and critical thinking training inherent in a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MS Degree in plant science, agronomy, soil science, microbiology, or a closely related field
- Experience conducting agricultural field and controlled-environment research
- Experience with soil, plant, and rhizosphere sample collection and processing
- Experience implementing research protocols and maintaining detailed records
- Familiarity with DNA-based approaches for characterizing microbial communities
- Experience with microscopy techniques and analysis of beneficial plant-associated microbes
- Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate multiple research projects simultaneously
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
How to Apply
Please submit the following documents:
- Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
- Current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Contact information for three professional references.
Application Window
Applications close on: June 23, 2026
Anticipated Hiring Pay Range
$18.86 - $32.05/hr ($39,227 - $66,667)