Work Location: This position will be housed at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria, LA. Collaborative work will also be conducted at other LSU AgCenter Research Stations, including Northeast, Red River, Macon Ridge, Ben Hur, and other locations as necessary.

Position Description: The successful candidate will support research and extension activities for field crop insect pest management programs based in Alexandria, Louisiana at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center. The Research Associate will be responsible for executing field and greenhouse research trials in row crops grown in Louisiana (e.g., soybean, cotton, corn, sorghum, etc.). Responsibilities will include planting, pesticide applications in test plots, field plot maintenance, equipment calibration, data collection (entry, analysis, interpretation, and collection), and management of transient workers. Experience in operating different types of farm machinery specialized for planting, maintaining, and harvesting small plot trials is desirable. Analytical skills, reliability, understanding and knowledge of insect pests of row crops, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work outdoors in all-weather are essential. The incumbent will also be involved with multiple projects critical for field crops IPM programs.

Qualification Requirements: This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in entomology, agricultural sciences, biological sciences, agronomy, weed sciences, or a closely related field. Knowledge and skills in operating farm equipment, handling pesticides, and database management software are essential. Field crop research experience and the ability to work independently as well as part of teams are very desirable. The successful candidate must have acceptable written and oral communication skills.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: December 1, 2023, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or in Workday for internal applicants) by attaching a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), official copy of university transcripts, and list of names of at least three references. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. James Villegas
Field Crops Entomologist
LSU AgCenter – Dean Lee Research and Extension Center
8105 Tom Bowman Dr
Alexandria, LA 71302
Email: jvillegas@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: AgCenter website

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.