Associate, Research - Horticulture

Associate, Research - Horticulture

• Develop protocols and guidelines for the application of portable diagnosis tools for onsite pest identification.
• Conduct laboratory and applied research in collaboration with Extension that addresses state and local needs
• Maintain the materials generated by the project.
• Assist with the collection of data, evaluation, and reports.
• Assist with grant writing, and budgeting, and provide input in the development of educational programs.
• Prepare extension outreach materials like fact sheets, trifolds, brochures, etc. for disseminating information to the limited resources farmers.
• Mentor graduate/undergraduate students, lab technicians, and student workers
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Make presentations orally or on posters of applied research results at conferences or meetings.
• Work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes
• Develop and maintain relationships with extension educators that lead to substantial applied research that directly benefits producers across the region.

• Must be willing to do farm visits and travel to state events as needed.
• Other related duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in a closely related field with laboratory experience on molecular tools preferred.
• Hands-on experience in basic molecular techniques and fundamentals of plant pathology.

• Knowledge of molecular biology principles and diagnostic techniques related to pest identification, including portable technologies such as MinION sequencer, mini-PCR, LAMP, RPA, and similar procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, research methodologies, data collection standards, and basic statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems, integrated pest management (IPM), and challenges impacting limited-resource farmers in Mississippi.
• Skill in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting portable diagnostic equipment in laboratory and field environments.
• Skill in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting research data in compliance with grant requirements.
• Skill in preparing outreach and educational materials (e.g., presentations, fact sheets, demonstrations) for diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to farmers, producers, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct research activities in laboratory settings, the ASU model farm, and various off-site locations across southwestern Mississippi.

• Ability to work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator, extension personnel, and community partners while managing multiple assignments and meeting project deadlines.