Research Associate Specialist

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Job Posting

Title:

Research Associate Specialist Position Type:
Other Academic Department: LSUAG PL1 - SPESS
- Plant Environmental and Soil Sciences (Niranjan Baisakh ))

Work Location:

0111 Madison

B. Sturgis (New Agronomy Bldg)
Pay Grade:
Other Academic

(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position for one year. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.

The Sugarcane Genetics Laboratory of the School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences is seeking a Research Associate (RA) to conduct computational genetic studies to improve desirable agronomic traits in sugarcane. The researcher will use contemporary bioinformatics and quantitative genetics tools to facilitate genomics-assisted breeding in sugarcane. The incumbent will be expected to work in the greenhouse and field setting, as needed.

A B.S. or M.S. degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field. Candidates experienced with handling high-throughput sequence, genotypic and phenotypic datasets using Python and/or R will be preferred. Applicants must be motivated to work independently as well as in a team environment. Good communication skills are a requirement. LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications.

If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (La RS 42:36).

• Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
• The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options.
• Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.
• Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Upon completion of the selection process.

September 1, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Competencies:

None

Special Instructions:

Skills Needed:

Preferred

Skills:

Posting Date:
August 14, 2026 Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

Background Check
- An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits
- The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options.

Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.

Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, next Source Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record…