Research Associate - Hydroponics

Location

Jefferson City, MO | United States

Job description

Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support to the Lincoln University Hydroponic Research Program by executing horticulture research involving hydroponic crop production in protected agriculture (greenhouse) facility.

Essential Job Functions:

• Execute hydroponic experiments, i.e.:
  • propagate and transplant seedlings into hydroponic culture (NFT, aggregate).
  • prepare nutrient solutions for hydroponic culture.
  • collect and maintain daily record of pH and EC of nutrient solution.
  • harvest and preserve plant tissue at termination of every experiment.
  • weigh all fresh and dried plant tissue and transfer experimental data into MS-Excel spreadsheets.
• Monitor all GH experiments frequently for disease infection and insect infestation and keep record of such, initiate treatments as needed.
• Daily maintenance of hydroponic greenhouse, inspect and ensure proper operation of cooling/heating system, vents, and irrigation/fertigation equipment and fertilizer injectors.
• Keep daily, weekly, or periodic records of greenhouse environmental data generated by the installed weather station (temperature, relative humidity, etc.)
• Manage hydroponic lab workspace, equipment, supplies and chemicals.
• Assist in the preparation of requisitions for purchases.
• Supervise student workers and casual employees and train them to use research equipment and instruments.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in horticultural research.
• Possession of U.S. Work Permit.
• Ability to work independently, and in a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Competency with MS Excel spreadsheets and word processing.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Pesticide application training and license.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift as much as 50 lbs. of potting soil or fertilizer.
• Ability to work for long hours under bright light of the summer season.
• Ability to work for long hours in warm, humid greenhouse environments.
• Light sedentary laboratory work, normal physical mobility needed.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

Job tags

Salary

$20 - $25 per hour