Equine Undergraduate Research Assistant

Job Duties 

• The Undergraduate Research Assistant will support ongoing equine research projects through both laboratory and animal-based research activities. Responsibilities may include assisting with data and sample collection, processing and organizing biological or feed samples, maintaining accurate research records, entering and managing data, and helping prepare materials and equipment for research activities. The student may also assist with literature searches, basic data analysis, and preparation of research posters or presentations. Additional duties may include routine organization and cleaning of research spaces and equipment. The student is expected to follow established research protocols, animal-care and laboratory safety procedures, and work both independently and collaboratively with faculty and other student researchers.

Required Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in 6 or more credits as a student at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
• Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
• Dependable, organized, and attentive to detail.
• Ability to follow research protocols and written/verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in laboratory, barn, and outdoor environments.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and safely work around horses.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in typical barn conditions, including dust, hay, and variable temperatures.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Coursework or experience in equine science, animal science, biology, or a related field.
• Experience working safely with horses.
• Previous research, laboratory, or data collection experience.

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston provides hands-on, experiential education in animal and equine sciences, agriculture, natural resources, and related fields. The Equine Program combines classroom and applied learning with opportunities for undergraduate research. This position will support faculty-led equine research focused on nutrition, management, physiology, and horse health.

Pay Rate: $15.25 per hour.

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
 

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota.  UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.