(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position through 03/31/2027. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.)
Work Location: This position will be housed at the LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station in Winnsboro, Louisiana. Collaborative work will also be conducted at other LSU AgCenter Research Stations which include: Northeast, Dean Lee, Red River, Ben Hur, Rice, and other locations as necessary. Extension travel to farms within Louisiana and professional meetings may be required.
Position Description: The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, planting, and maintaining field research trials in corn, cotton, soybean, and grain sorghum. Responsibilities will include planting and pesticide applications in test plots, other maintenance of field plots, equipment calibration, data collection, and management of transient workers. Operation, maintenance, and repair of many different types of farm machinery specialized for planting, maintaining, and harvesting small plot research trials is required of the candidate. Additional responsibilities include data entry, data analysis, data interpretation, and data reporting. The candidate also will be expected to maintain greenhouse facilities while executing greenhouse experiments. Extensive insect, plant, and yield sampling may be required in some field trials. The candidate will also be responsible for helping maintain research plot records, pesticide applications, and inventory.
Qualification Requirements: The position requires a minimum B.S. in entomology, plant pathology, phytonematology, agronomy, weed science, plant sciences, biological sciences, agribusiness, or a closely related field. Knowledge and skills in operating, maintaining, and repairing farm equipment is preferred. Experienced and licensed in applying pesticides according to local guidelines is preferred. Advanced computer skills (Outlook Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, database, statistics, etc.) and interpersonal written and oral communication skills are essential. Farming experience and/or field crop research experience is very desirable. Experience growing crop plants in a greenhouse setting is desirable. The successful candidate must have acceptable organizational skills. Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles and remote sensing is preferred.
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 23, 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:
Dr. Dawson David Kerns
Macon Ridge Research Center
LSU AgCenter
212 B Macon Ridge Road
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Phone : 318-435-2903
E-mail: ddkerns@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
