Research Specialist I

Prairie View, Texas • Staff

Proposed minimum salary: $5,416.67 monthly. Salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position. This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds; continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

About the role

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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
• Participate in college-wide events and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Four years of related experience.
• Knowledge about cropping systems and soil amendments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Considerable experience in field work, laboratory analytical techniques, field research design, and project implementation.
• Strong interest in working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Willingness to work beyond normal business hours and/or on weekends.

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.