Research Associate I

University Of Idaho; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public research university seeks a Research Associate to support potato agronomy and pathology studies. Responsibilities include planning field research, conducting experiments, and data analysis, requiring independent work with quality assurance. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, two years of relevant research experience, and the ability to operate agricultural machinery. The position offers a competitive salary starting at $52,769.60, with application reviews beginning January 11th, 2026.

Qualifications

• Two years of post-bachelor’s research experience related to agronomy.
• Ability to work nonstandard hours, including weekends.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct research and analyze scientific data.
• Record observations and prepare results for publication.
• Supervise junior research personnel as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of potato production

Strong organizational skills

Ability to operate agricultural machinery

Ability to follow research protocols

Experience with research instruments

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy or related field

Master’s degree in Plant Science (preferred)

Tools

Data analysis software

Research instruments

Job description

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

Required Qualifications

• Two years of post‑bachelor’s research experience related to the domain of this position

Required Education

• Bachelor’s 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 driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles

Additional Preferred

• Master’s 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
• 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

Degree requirement listed: degree qualification is required at time of hire.

Pay Range

$52,769.60 or higher depending on experience.

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 [e-mail] and request that one be sent to you.

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

EEO Statement

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

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Transcripts
• Letter of Qualification

Optional Documents

None required.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department. (Open Ended Question)
• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
  • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
  • Indeed.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Militaryjob.com
  • DSPSjobs.com
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)