Job Details

Research Associate I

Position Number: 6799906
Location: Moscow, ID
Position Type: Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

Research Associate I

Posting Number: SP005129P
Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department: Plant Sciences
Location: Aberdeen

Posting Context Statement:

The position supports the primary investigator in researching potato agronomy and pathology for the Potato Variety Development Extension/Research Program in South-Central and Southeast Idaho. It involves collaborating with Potato Extension staff at the Aberdeen R&E Center and USDA Potato Breeding Program to plan and conduct field research. Responsibilities include designing experiments, seed preparation, planting, plot maintenance and harvest, grain processing, and data collection and analysis. The Research Associate must work independently with minimal supervision, ensure quality assurance, and maintain safe working conditions when operating machinery such as tractors, planters, and harvesters.

Position Overview:

Performs research activities and analysis; implements and evaluates research procedures and data. Records observations and measurements then reports results. Responsible for analyzing and preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a certain degree of creativity and latitude. May supervise junior research personnel.

Duties may include:

Provide technical support in planning and/or designing of scientific projects, studies, or applications
Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data
Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits
Identify and evaluating scientific samples and determining need for further testing
Develop recommendations and/or providing solutions, standards, and protocol to a wide range of difficult problems
Plan, design, develop, monitor and/or evaluate portions of a scientific project, study, or application
Provide scientific evaluations/assessments
Research, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures
Maintain detailed records of results and prepares written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies
Other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

Two years of post-bachelors research experience related to the domain of this position

Required Education:

Bachelors Degree in agronomy or a related field to the domain of the position

Required Other:

Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends and holidays occasionally
Must possess a valid drivers license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles

Additional Preferred:

Masters degree in Plant Science or a related field
Knowledge of potato production and general agronomic practices
Experience conducting plot-level research in potatoes or other row crops
Ability to apply scientific principles in laboratory and field research
Skilled in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery (e.g., tractors, planters, tillage equipment)
Experience with research instruments, including setup, calibration, and basic troubleshooting
Proficiency with computer software for data entry, analysis, and report generation
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to follow research protocols and standard operating procedures
Experience maintaining accurate research records and preparing technical reports
Strong written communication skills
Experience developing and delivering scientific presentations
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

Ability to work with toxic, volatile, corrosive chemicals and/or carcinogenic substances when required
Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions
Ability to carry, lift and/or otherwise move heavy materials weighing up to 50 pounds

Degree Requirement:
Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Category: Exempt
Pay Range: $52,769.60 or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment: _of_Appointment
FTE:

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy: No
Posting Date: 12/17/2025
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications received by January 11th, 2026, will receive first consideration.

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your "Letter of Qualification" must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.

Please also provide a copy of unofficial transcripts with your application material.

If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Kristi Copeland at kcopelan@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.

Applicant Resources: https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement:

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

To apply, visit https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/50382

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.