POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Work Location: School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory, 128 Sturgis Hall, Baton Rouge LA, 70803.
Position Description: The individual will be expected to perform a variety of duties as a research associate specialist in the Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory. These duties include supervision of student employees; conducting basic science laboratory techniques including preparing, extracting, digesting, washing, and testing of samples; utilizing a laboratory information management system to enter, manage, and report sample data; perform sample analysis using various equipment including but not limited to ICP-OES, C/N analyzers, automatic plant digestion units, discrete analyzers, automatic titrators, and pH robots. This includes the standard operation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation. In addition to laboratory duties, the individual will be expected to answer phones, contact laboratory clients, interact with the general public, and perform any additional duties as required by the laboratory.
Qualification Requirements: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in soil science, crop science, agronomy, horticulture, biology, chemistry or related field is required. Preference will be given to applicants that meet the minimum requirements and have prior experience with soil and plant testing procedures as well as advanced instrumentation and software experience.
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 and Benefits: 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.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:
Gregory M. Olson, PhD
School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences
LSU AgCenter
128 Sturgis Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone :225-578-1219
Fax : 225-578-1403
E-mail: golson@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
