Position Summary

The Irrigation Lab led by Dr. Younsuk Dong is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support ongoing research projects aimed at helping Michigan farmers to improve irrigation practices and water management. 

This position offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies including:

• IoT sensors
• Advanced geophysical survey tools
• Precision agriculture systems

The successful candidate will:

• Oversee and coordinate irrigation research conducted in labs and field operations around Michigan. This includes organizing equipment, scheduling employees, material, travel logistics, safety training, and working with external industry partners throughout the state.

• Develops and updates procedures to the design and execution or research experiments that align with project goals.

• Designs, builds, calibrates, tests and operates laboratory instruments in order to ensure compliance with specifications and to meet project needs.

• Performs experimental tests, records, and analyzes results to provide conclusive data for research projects.

• Compiles and summarizes results to prepare reports, manuscripts, and publications; contributes to grant proposal development.

• Maintains materials, methods and records of experimental procedures and evaluations of data accumulated.

• Performs all field work to run experiments.

• Establishes and implements quality control procedures and ensures compliance with federal guidelines.

This is a one-year position with possibility of extension based off funding. Selected candidate must have a valid operator's license as they will be required to drive university vehicles.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Engineering, Horticulture, Plant Science or closely related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to irrigation practices and water management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

Master's degree in Engineering, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field. Proficient in ArcGIS, R software, and SAS Experience operating vehicles and hauling trailers for fieldwork or equipment transport.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume, cover letter, and the contact information for three professional references.

Special Instructions

For more information, please contact Dr. Younsuk Dong at dongyoun@msu.edu.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://www.egr.msu.edu/bae/water/irriga

Summary of Physical Demands

Will be required to lift and carry (30 pounds), push/pull (60 pounds) various research items in lab and at research sites.

Bidding eligibility ends October 14, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.