Research Assistant

TITLE: Research Assistant

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Research Assistant Position in The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences at Kentucky State University would serve as a support person for the research or extension program and will participate in research duties specific to the objectives of the proposal funding sources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists other research staff by performing standard designated procedures associated with experiments and/or projects.
• Performs laboratory experiments in a field of agricultural / scientific research.
• Analyzes data from experiments; prepares graphics and text for presentation and publication.
• Review up-to-date scientific literature extracting information relevant to ongoing, proposed, or possible research projects.
• May assist in developing written progress reports.
• Apply appropriate quality controls to ensure validity and reliability of results; identify results which exceed recommended or desired tolerances.
• Maintains records as required.
• May assist in maintenance of greenhouses, farm facilities, etc.
• Ability to work independently in/on farming projects and activities.
• Maintains inventory and maintains the laboratory in a clean and orderly manner.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of scientific literature search processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of research techniques, methods and procedures
• Knowledge of data interpretation and analysis methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of industry and government standards regarding laboratory techniques and safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of data presentation and organization methods and techniques.  
• Ability to interpret experimental data accurately. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records.
• Ability to understand and write highly technical data.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform experiments.
• Ability to set up laboratory experiments.
• Ability to work within the guidelines of specific projects to gather and interpret experimental data.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Laboratory environment; may have regular exposure to biological, radiation, chemical, and mechanical hazards, vapors, fumes, and temperature variations.
• Some positions may include regular exposure to hazards associated with biological and chemical research.

• May work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and humidity. 
• Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds. 
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.