Research Specialist

About the role

The College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology (CAFST) seek an energetic research specialist to support studies in vertical hydroponics, greenhouse and field studies. This is a 12-month appointment. The Research Assistant will support applied experimental research focused on vertical hydroponic systems and greenhouse crop management. The successful candidate will assist with the design, implementation and maintenance of experiments evaluating crop performance, nutrient management, environmental controls, and production efficiency in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. The Research Assistant will work closely with faculty researchers, graduate students and technical staff to conduct research trials, collect and analyze data, and maintain hydroponic and greenhouse infrastructure. This position plays a critical role in advancing research that supports sustainable urban agriculture, resource-efficient crop production, and innovative food systems. The successful candidate will also assist with greenhouse and field trials evaluating crop yield and performance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the establishment, maintenance, and monitoring of vertical hydroponic, greenhouse field-based experiments.
• Prepare nutrient solutions and manage irrigation systems for hydroponic production.
• Support research trials evaluating crop varieties, nutrient regimes, lighting strategies and environmental controls.
• Record and manage research data using spreadsheets or laboratory management systems.
• Assist with planting, transplanting, harvesting and crop maintenance.
• Collect plant growth and yield data including biomass, leaf area and other production metrics.
• Assist with basic statistical summaries and preparation of reports for research publications or grant projects.
• Maintain hydroponic systems including pumps, reservoirs, nutrient dosing systems and sensors.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety and greenhouse operating procedures.
• Assist with preparation of research materials for presentations, extension demonstrations, and outreach events.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to research progress reports.

Requirements

• Ability to conduct basic biochemical assays associated with plant nutrition.
• Ability to evaluate, identify and treat plant diseases in closed growth systems.
• Knowledge of plant production systems or greenhouse crop production.
• Experience with data collection, statistical analysis and record keeping.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with greenhouse and hydroponic crop production systems.
• Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, Agronomy or related field.
• Experience with hydroponic or vertical farming systems.
• Familiarity with controlled environmental agriculture technologies, including LED lighting, climate control systems and automated irrigation.
• Experience using data analysis software (Excel, R or similar).
• Prior experience in greenhouse management, or plant pathological research.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) in greenhouse systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative multi-disciplinary team.