Research Assistant - Geospatial and Environment. Frankfort LilyLifestyle

TITLE: Research Assistant Geospatial Application and Environment DEPARTMENT: Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Environmental Security, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD STANDARD

WORK HOURS:

37.5 hours per week LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: The Research Assistant Position in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University will support research or extension programs and participate in research duties specific to the objectives of proposal funding sources. The position supports experimental and agronomic research components of funded projects, including field, laboratory and environmental monitoring using eddy covariance, drone deployment and geospatial analysis, and social research actively assisting with data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of findings through publications, presentations and progress reports.

• Lead and investigate experiments examining carbon dynamics of reclaimed mined lands in Eastern Kentucky as part of the Appalachia Renewal Project using the Eddy Covariance flux tower.
• Manage, maintain, and collect data from eddy covariance (flux tower) installations in Martin County, Eastern Kentucky, including routine field checks, sensor troubleshooting and continuity assurance.
• Lead soil sampling campaigns across Kentucky and nearby Mesonet stations to support soil carbon model development under the 1890 Multi-state Climate and Long-term Agroecosystems Research projects.
• Design, implement, and maintain laboratory, field, and greenhouse experiments supporting the Soil Health Group in accordance with project protocols and safety standards.
• Perform laboratory and field experiments, including soil sampling, sample preparation/processing, and relevant chemical/physical measurements as required by project objectives.
• Collect, enter, manage, and analyze datasets related to soil, water, sediments and erosion using SWAT and other analytical/modeling tools; support interpretation of results.
• Support socio-economic research components of interdisciplinary projects as assigned (survey support, coding/cleaning, descriptive/inferential analysis) and integrate findings with biophysical outcomes for reporting.
• Apply QA/QC procedures to ensure validity and reliability of results; identify outcomes that exceed tolerances, document corrective actions, and maintain reproducible workflows.
• Maintain complete and accurate records (field logs, laboratory notebooks, metadata/data dictionaries, organized digital project files); maintain inventory and keep laboratory spaces clean, safe and orderly.
• Review up-to-date scientific literature to support method selection, interpretation and development of ongoing, proposed or emerging research activities.
• Analyze data from experiments and integrated components as assigned; prepare publication-quality graphics, maps, tables and text for manuscripts, presentations, extension materials and sponsor reporting.
• Assist in developing progress reports, technical summaries and grant-support materials aligned with sponsor requirements and project timelines.
• Assist with maintenance of research infrastructure, including greenhouses, farm facilities and field sites as needed; demonstrate ability to work independently in farming/research activities and contribute effectively to team-based projects.
• Train, supervise and mentor research assistants and graduate, undergraduate, and high school students supporting thesis, capstone, practicum and project-based research.
• Facilitate and conduct informational talks, tours and outreach at field days, stakeholder meetings and professional events.

• Knowledge of eddy covariance principles and ability to operate, maintain and troubleshoot a flux tower and meteorological sensors.
• Ability to process, quality check and manage large GHG and micrometeorological datasets using appropriate methods and software.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and…