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Other Position

Student Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences

Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Closing in 73 days
Location
N/A
United States
Employment
None
Part time
Reference
N/A
Posted Sep 24, 2026
Offered salary$13.00-$17.00/hour

About the role

Student Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences

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Posting Details

Posting Details
Job Title Student Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences
Requisition Number DU12421
Department Name 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
Work Location Lexington, KY
Salary Range $13.00-$17.00/hour
Type of Position Student
Position Time Status Part-Time
Required Education Student pursuing a degree at UK
Required Related Experience Willingness to learn new skills and follow detailed protocolsOutput-orientedAbility to work well as part of a teamClear written and verbal communication skills
Reliability and attention to detail


Required License/Registration/Certification Driver’s license
Physical Requirements Office space will be providedWork takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settingsMoving may involve walking, working in hot or cold weather, and lifting
Shift 1–20 hours per week Flexible schedule (up to candidate)
Job Summary Part-Time Student AssistantSetting: In-personHourly 1–20 hours per week | Flexible schedule (up to candidate)Hourly rate: $13~17/hr depending on experience About the LabThe Agricultural, Computational, and Environmental Lab (ACE) at the University of Kentucky, led by Dr. Katsutoshi Mizuta, studies soil health and agroecosystem using various cutting-edge data-driven methods with AI and a big data to improve soil management and precision agriculture. Our team combines laboratory analysis, field sampling, and data science to address practical problems for growers and land managers.
About the PositionWe are seeking a dependable, motivated student assistant to support laboratory and research-support activities. You will work closely with a PhD student and the faculty lead, and you’ll gain hands-on experience in how soil research is carried out from sample collection through publication. No prior research experience is required, and training will be provided.
Key ResponsibilitiesLaboratory support: Assist a PhD student with sample preparation, processing, and analysis, following established protocols and lab safety proceduresSample and lab organization: Label, catalog, and store samples; keep inventory of supplies; maintain a clean, organized lab spaceData management: Enter, organize, and quality-check research data and keep records accuratePublication support: Help prepare research papers and book materials (e.g., formatting, managing references, preparing figures and tables)Vehicle upkeep: Help with routine care of lab vehicles (e.g., cleaning, scheduling service, tracking maintenance)Team support: Assist other lab members with research activities as neededMichellaneous: Assist to move to a new building: preparing, packing, and transporting equipment and samples…etc
Required QualificationsWillingness to learn new skills and follow detailed protocolsOutput-orientedAbility to work well as part of a teamClear written and verbal communication skillsReliability and attention to detail
Preferred QualificationsUndergraduate chemistry laboratory experienceCoursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related fieldValid driver’s licenseBasic familiarity with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
Working ConditionsOffice space will be providedWork takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settingsMoving may involve walking, working in hot or cold weather, and lifting
What You’ll GainHands-on training in soil laboratory methods and field samplingExperience with real research projects, from data collection to publicationMentoring from a faculty member and graduate studentA strong reference for graduate school, internships, or future jobs
Start date: ASAP Duration: However long possible depending on candidates’ schedule and funding situations.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Attention to detail; ability to work independently; excellent communication skills. Experience in coding and/or GIS if possible.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience Undergraduate chemistry laboratory experienceCoursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related fieldValid driver’s licenseBasic familiarity with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)


Deadline to Apply 12/31/2026
Our University Community We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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