Assistant Scientist

Kansas State University and Department of Agronomy seek an Assistant Scientist to manage the field experiment aspect of the breeding program by designing and conducting field-based experiments to identify genetically superior lines for eventual release as varieties.

• 522389

• Manhattan, Kansas, United States

• Agronomy

• Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)

• Closing at: Oct 28 2026 - 23:55 CDT

• On-site

Kansas State University and Department of Agronomy seek an Assistant Scientist to manage the field experiment aspect of the breeding program by designing and conducting field-based experiments to identify genetically superior lines for eventual release as varieties. This position will also have responsibility for greenhouse operations of the breeding program and will supervise 2-6 undergraduate students.

Responsibilities will include:

• Design and conduct analysis of field experiments. Randomization, layout, planting, note taking, harvesting, printing of labels/envelopes, design of fieldbooks and data analysis.
• Supervise undergraduate students who are working on field and greenhouse aspects of the breeding program.
• Oversee greenhouse operations including planting and harvesting. This also includes monitoring greenhouse for pests and taking appropriate control measures to ensure greenhouse systems are operating properly.
• Manage post-harvest processing of wheat samples including cleaning grain, taking test weights and pulling samples for quality analysis.
• Oversee FHB field screening program, primarily on collaboration with personnel in Plant Pathology. Duties include rating experimental lines for tolerance to Fusarium head blight and identification of promising parent lines for inclusion in the crossing program.

About Us

Here at the Department of Agronomy, we strive to equip students and industry members with the tools they need to serve our communities and society as a whole through agriculture. Through each facet of our work, we emphasize the importance of sustainable and efficient practices to conserve our resources and protect the land.

The Department of Agronomy, together with the Research and Extension Centers, provides statewide leadership for teaching, research, and extension activities in plant breeding, crop production, range science, soil science, and weed sciences and contributes substantially to activities in genetics, water science, and environmental sciences.

Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS, in the scenic tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills of NE Kansas. Manhattan is 125 miles west of Kansas City and 50 miles west of Topeka. Kansas State University is the nation’s first land-grant institution and currently enrolls ~24,000 students. Check the local Convention & Visitors Bureau website (http://www.manhattancvb.org/) for more information.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree.
• Valid driver's license.

Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.This degree requirement ensures candidates possess the scientific knowledge, research methodology and analytical skills essential for designing studies, interpreting data and contributing to scholarly publications. These competencies are typically developed and validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and critical thinking training inherent in a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in plant breeding, agronomy, genetics or related field.
• Experience with growing plants in a greenhouse.
• Experience with AGROBASE software, data analysis in R, QTL mapping techniques.
• Experience with FHB screening techniques in both field and greenhouse settings.
• Experience working with computers and data management.

Additional Role Information:

• Field experiments will require frequent exposure to outdoor conditions. Some greenhouse operations may also be carried out in less than ideal conditions.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Name, email, and phone number for three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on:October 28, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$40,000 - $66,667 ($19.23 - $32.05 per hour)

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship:

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas:

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

• Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.