Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

Basic Job Function: The MSU Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Program is seeking a motivated and highly organized Research Assistant to help manage, coordinate, and conduct nutrient-focused field research across major Michigan cropping systems. The Steinke Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Program investigates nutrient management, fertilizer, and nutrient-contamination issues of corn, soybean, wheat, sugarbeet, potato, dry bean, and several other cropping systems. Our goal is to use applied field research to provide science-based research and extension information that improves crop production, increases nutrient and ecological efficiencies, and incorporates progressive nutrient management strategies for production agricultural systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/soilfertility/  

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead a coordinated applied field nutrient management research program including the timely implementation of field research projects and the ability to organize, design, plant, maintain, and harvest field research trials.
• Coordinate year-round field research activities including data collection, managing research records, experimental design, coordinating activities across multiple farms and farm managers.
• Develop research projects and monitor protocols for nutrient management from field plot to watershed scales.
• Supervise, train, and mentor activities for graduate students, visiting interns, and undergraduate student support.
• Collect, organize, summarize, and analyze experimental data for contributions to research summaries and extension materials.
• Assist with the calibration, operation, and maintenance of field equipment and plot application equipment including backpack sprayers and spray booms.
• Participate in outreach activities, meetings, presentations, and assist with ideas for the development of research publications and other educational materials.
• Maintain meticulous year-to-year records of field activities, methods, materials, and experimental results to ensure quality and reproducibility.
• Must be familiar with different fertilizers, fertilizer analyses, nutrient application methods and techniques, and application equipment calibration. 

Key Attributes of Successful Candidates:

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple ongoing projects across locations.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to foster collaboration amongst farm crew and managers, students, and faculty.
• Passion for applied field research and a willingness to work outdoors under varying conditions.
• Dependability and initiative in managing project logistics, data collection, and timelines.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy, Soil 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/farm equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, performing field operations utilizing research, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed.

Additional requirements include:

• Valid vehicle operator license
• Ability to obtain a medical certificate 
• Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license required with 1 month of hiring
• Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with “Group A” designation required within 3 months of hiring
• Knowledge pertaining to the use and application of agricultural chemicals and following appropriate safety procedures 

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agronomy, soil science, or closely related field 
• Experience with production row-crop agriculture and demonstrated proficiency in conducting field research
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office

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

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter 
• Two letters of reference including names and contact information

Special Instructions

Address any questions to Dr. Kurt Steinke (ksteinke@msu.edu). Submit application documents to careers.msu.edu

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

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

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

Summary of Physical Demands

Must to be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Summary of Health Risks

Drive a university vehicle, which requires a commercial driver’s license:  

• VEHICLES:
  • Having a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
• COMBINATION VEHICLES:  
  • Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and a gross combination weight or weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• ANY VEHICLES:
  • Designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
  • Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
  • Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).

Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license but does require medical certification:

• VEHICLES:
  • Having a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

• COMBINATION VEHICLES:  
  • Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and a gross combination weight or weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• ANY VEHICLES:
  • Designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
  • Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
  • Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).

• Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas.
• Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).
• Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.

Bidding eligibility ends April 7, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.