Graduate Assistant/Academic

By LSU AgCenter, August 2 - updated August 2 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Research Associate will play a crucial role in supporting research activities related to turfgrass, turfgrass alternatives, and ornamental plants. This position involves hands-on work in the field, assisting with experiments, data collection, and maintaining research plots. The ideal candidate should have a passion for turfgrass science, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.   The Research Associate will conduct field and greenhouse trials to evaluate the effects of various turfgrass management techniques across diverse agronomic settings, such as rights-of-way, home lawns, golf courses and other managed turfgrass systems. Proficiency in greenhouse and field trial methodologies, along with data collection and statistical analysis, will be helpful in this role. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, well-organized, and adept at communicating findings.  This position entails supporting field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments within a research program centered on sustainable turfgrass, turfgrass alternative, and ground cover management. Working alongside undergraduate and graduate students, and principal investigators, the individual will contribute to the initiation, monitoring, and summarization of experiments to achieve research goals. Ongoing research areas encompass turfgrass establishment, fertilizer and irrigation management, weed control, plant growth regulator strategies, and pesticide environmental impact, all aimed at developing comprehensive vegetation management protocols.  This is a full-time position for a period of 2 years, with an annual appointment. This position requires performing the following work activities.  1.    Plot Maintenance / Establishment o    Establish turfgrass plots from seed, sprigs, or sod. o    Perform common tasks such as mowing, fertilizing, and cultivation. o    Apply pesticides to research plots following established protocols. o    Knowledge of irrigation systems is preferred but not required. 2.    Research Trials o    Assist in the installation and maintenance of turfgrass and ornamental research trials, in the field and greenhouse setting. o    Monitor turfgrass growth and assess the impact of treatments through data collection. o    Record observations accurately and maintain organized records. o    Collaborate with researchers to ensure data integrity. 3.    Collaboration o    Work closely with research faculty, graduate students, and other team members. o    Responsible for plot layout, treatment application, and experimental design. o    Participate in team meetings and discussions. The ability to pursue a Master's degree will be an option after one full year of employment. This position is fully funded for two years. University Job: Research Associate Specialist (Turfgrass Management), LSU AgCenter (academickeys.com)