Associate,Research - Horticulture Job Lorman Mississippi USA,Research/Development

Location: Lorman

Associate, Research - Horticulture Essential Job Functions

Develop protocols and guidelines for the application ofportable diagnosis tools for onsite pest identification.
Conduct laboratory and applied research in collaboration with Extension that addresses state and local needs
Maintain the materials generated by the project.
Assist with the collection of data, evaluation, and reports.
Assist with grant writing, and budgeting, and provide input inthe development of educational programs.
Prepare extension outreach materials like fact sheets,trifolds, brochures, etc. for disseminating information to thelimited resources farmers.
Mentor graduate/undergraduate students, lab technicians, and student workers
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Make presentations orally or on posters of applied researchresults at conferences or meetings.
Work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economicclasses
Develop and maintain relationships with extension educatorsthat lead to substantial applied research that directly benefitsproducers across the region.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, or a closely related field.
Master's degree in a closely related field with laboratory experience on molecular tools preferred.
Hands-on experience in basic molecular techniques andfundamentals of plant pathology.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of molecular biology principles and diagnostic techniques related to pest identification, including portabletechnologies such as MinION sequencer, mini-PCR, LAMP, RPA, and similar procedures.
Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, research methodologies, data collection standards, and basic statistical analysis.
Knowledge of agricultural systems, integrated pest management(IPM), and challenges impacting limited-resource farmers in Mississippi.
Skill in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting portablediagnostic equipment in laboratory and field environments.
Skill in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reportingresearch data in compliance with grant requirements.
Skill in preparing outreach and educational materials (e.g.,presentations, fact sheets, demonstrations) for diverse audiences.
Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to farmers, producers, and community stakeholders.
Ability to conduct research activities in laboratory settings,the ASU model farm, and various off-site locations acrosssouthwestern Mississippi.

Ability to work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator, extension personnel, and community partners while managing multiple assignments and meeting project deadlines.