Student Assistant - Plant and Soil Sciences
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 protocols
Output-oriented
Ability to work well as part of a team
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Reliability and attention to detail
Required License/Registration/Certification
Driver's license
Physical Requirements
Office space will be provided
Work takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settings
Moving 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 Assistant
Setting: In-person
Hourly 1-20 hours per week | Flexible schedule (up to candidate)
Hourly rate: $13~17/hr depending on experience
About the Lab
The 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 Position
We 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 Responsibilities
Laboratory support: Assist a PhD student with sample preparation, processing, and analysis, following established protocols and lab safety procedures
Sample and lab organization: Label, catalog, and store samples; keep inventory of supplies; maintain a clean, organized lab space
Data management: Enter, organize, and quality-check research data and keep records accurate
Publication 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 needed
Michellaneous: Assist to move to a new building: preparing, packing, and transporting equipment and samples...etc
Required Qualifications
Willingness to learn new skills and follow detailed protocols
Output-oriented
Ability to work well as part of a team
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Reliability and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate chemistry laboratory experience
Coursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field
Valid driver's license
Basic familiarity with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
Working Conditions
Office space will be provided
Work takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settings
Moving may involve walking, working in hot or cold weather, and lifting
What You'll Gain
Hands-on training in soil laboratory methods and field sampling
Experience with real research projects, from data collection to publication
Mentoring from a faculty member and graduate student
A 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 experience
Coursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field
Valid driver's license
Basic 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.
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 protocols
Output-oriented
Ability to work well as part of a team
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Reliability and attention to detail
Required License/Registration/Certification
Driver's license
Physical Requirements
Office space will be provided
Work takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settings
Moving 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 Assistant
Setting: In-person
Hourly 1-20 hours per week | Flexible schedule (up to candidate)
Hourly rate: $13~17/hr depending on experience
About the Lab
The 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 Position
We 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 Responsibilities
Laboratory support: Assist a PhD student with sample preparation, processing, and analysis, following established protocols and lab safety procedures
Sample and lab organization: Label, catalog, and store samples; keep inventory of supplies; maintain a clean, organized lab space
Data management: Enter, organize, and quality-check research data and keep records accurate
Publication 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 needed
Michellaneous: Assist to move to a new building: preparing, packing, and transporting equipment and samples...etc
Required Qualifications
Willingness to learn new skills and follow detailed protocols
Output-oriented
Ability to work well as part of a team
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Reliability and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate chemistry laboratory experience
Coursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field
Valid driver's license
Basic familiarity with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
Working Conditions
Office space will be provided
Work takes place in both office, laboratory and outdoor settings
Moving may involve walking, working in hot or cold weather, and lifting
What You'll Gain
Hands-on training in soil laboratory methods and field sampling
Experience with real research projects, from data collection to publication
Mentoring from a faculty member and graduate student
A 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 experience
Coursework in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field
Valid driver's license
Basic 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.