Work Location: School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, I3aton Rouge, LA 70803
Position Description: The LSU AgCenter School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences (SPESS) seeks an instructor/laboratory coordinator for the LSU AgCenter Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory (STPAL). This position is a 12-month, non-tenure track appointment. The STPAL is located in M.B. Sturgis Hall on the LSU campus and provides a full range of fee-based soil and plant tissue diagnostic tests to the public as well as researchers and commercial entities. Research-based recommendations for homeowners and producers arc made based on the results of soil tests. The laboratory coordinator of the LSU AgCenter STP AL is an instructor level position responsible for oversight and direction of STP AL activities. The incumbent will operate, maintain, and manage laboratory equipment, including inductively coupled plasma (lCP) spectrometers, CHN analyzers, pH robots, discrete analyzers, and autotitrators; tram and supervise laboratory personnel, including two research/extension associates, civil service personnel, and student workers; ensure that proper safety, sample retention, and quality control protocols are followed and update these protocols as necessary; provide budgetary oversight; collaborate with faculty in SPESS to update fertilization recommendations and develop straightforward and accurate customer reports; coordinate communication with clientele; cooperate with AgCenter IT to update and maintain web-based customer interface; and order supplies and prepare reagents and standards. The laboratory coordinator will report directly to the director of the laboratory. For more information about the STPAL: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/stpal.
Qualification Requirements: M.S. in chemistry, environmental science, soil science, agronomy, or a closely related field. Experience in conducting soil fertility tests and operating instrumentation used in plant and tissue testing are desired. Course work or experience in chemistry or laboratory analysis and a strong background in analytical chemistry is preferred. A Ph.D. in chemistry, environmental science, soil science, agronomy, or a closely related field is preferred. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and conscientious attention to detail are essential. Familiarity with a laboratory information management system such as Labworks is strongly desired.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 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 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: September 23, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) and attach cover letter including a statement of professional interest and goals, resume, official university transcripts, and four letters of reference. Letters of recommendation should address the candidate's qualifications for the position and potential for development. Letters of recommendation should candidly evaluate both strengths and weaknesses of the applicant for the position. In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to the hiring manager listed below. For more information contact:
Dr. Ted Gauthier
Department Head
Agricultural Chemistry Department
Agricultural Chemistry Building - LSU
Highland Rd, Room 102
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Telephone: 225/353/9545
Fax: 225/342/0027
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
