Student Research Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences

Job Title

Student Research Assistant – Plant and Soil Sciences

DU14492

81060: PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES

Lexington, KY

Varies

Student — Part‑Time

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (up to 20 hrs per week). Availability during the semester will be considered.

Opportunity:
Are you a student in Kentucky interested in agriculture, sustainability, and hands‑on field research? Join the Grain Crops Ecophysiology Lab at the University of Kentucky () in Lexington. This role offers practical experience working with cropping systems relevant to Kentucky and the broader region, including soybean‑based systems and diversified grain production.

The position supports ongoing field and laboratory research. Responsibilities include assisting with experiments at University of Kentucky research farms, collecting agronomic and environmental data, preparing plant and soil samples, and organizing datasets. Projects focus on crop productivity, resource‑use efficiency, and sustainability, with emphasis on crop physiology, soil‑plant interactions, and innovative practices such as intercropping and diversified crop rotations.

Students will gain experience working outdoors, collaborating with a research team, and contributing to projects of direct relevance to agriculture in Kentucky and beyond.

• Assist with field experiments at University of Kentucky research farms
• Collect agronomic and environmental data
• Prepare plant and soil samples for analysis
• Help organize and maintain datasets

• Undergraduate student with interest in agronomy, crop physiology, environmental science, or sustainable agriculture
• Familiarity with Kentucky agriculture or interest in regional cropping systems is a plus
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying Kentucky weather conditions (heat, humidity, dust, allergens)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow detailed protocols

• Experience in data collection or sample preparation in an agricultural context is advantageous
• Knowledge of soil‑plant interactions and field experiment design is beneficial

Positions are available as soon as possible and remain open until filled. Both full‑time and part‑time appointments are available, with potential extension through the summer or up to December 2026 depending on availability and performance.

Montse Salmeron (msalmeron) for questions.

05/30/2027

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows applicable federal and state constitutions and laws on nondiscrimination. Equal opportunity is provided to qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations. Candidates may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings, including background checks and/or drug screens.