Research Assistant II

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/  

• →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.
• →Help coordinate year-round field research activities including data collection, managing research records, experimental design, and coordinating activities across multiple farms and farm managers.
• →Generate ideas for developing research projects and monitor protocols for nutrient management applied research.
• →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, 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. 

This position offers a combination of year-round indoor and outdoor activities with seasonal fieldwork involving moderate physical effort (lifting supplies, operating equipment, and working in variable weather conditions). Knowledge pertaining to the use and application of agricultural chemicals and following appropriate safety procedures is required.

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

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.

Having a combined gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds.

Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas.

Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.

Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).

• 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:

Have a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more but less than 26,001 pounds.

Advertised: Aug 19, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 17, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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