PhD Candidate Research Asst

Job Code: 9529
Department: Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Appointment Dates: October 19, 2026 – January 13, 2027
Supervisor: Nick Jordan, Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Work Location: St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics is seeking an advanced Ph.D. student to assist faculty research programs. This position provides professional research experience while supporting departmental research initiatives in agronomy, agroecology, plant genetics, and related disciplines.
Research Assistants perform duties of a specialized nature connected with research studies assigned by the faculty supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities
The graduate research assistant will devote approximately 5 standard hours per week to:

• Collect and organize research data and materials.
• Conduct literature reviews and develop bibliographies.
• Assist with statistical analyses and interpretation of research findings.
• Prepare summaries, reports, presentations, and other scholarly materials.
• Assist with editing and proofreading research documents.
• Support faculty research projects and research-related activities.
• Coordinate research meetings and communications when appropriate.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned by the faculty supervisor.

Work Schedule:
General hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Academic year graduate assistantship appointment dates are standardized across each University campus for payroll and benefits purposes. Individual work schedules will be determined in consultation with the faculty supervisor and may change according to research needs and project deadlines.

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $32.76 per hour
• Standard Hours: 5 hours per week
• Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly (every other Wednesday)

Required 

• Advanced-status Ph.D. student enrolled at the University of Minnesota.
• Demonstrated knowledge relevant to agronomy, agroecology, plant genetics, plant science, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage independent research tasks.

Preferred 

• Experience assisting with research projects.
• Experience collecting and analyzing quantitative or qualitative data.
• Experience preparing academic reports, manuscripts, or presentations.
• Familiarity with statistical software and research methodologies.
   

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strengths in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science, and crop physiology. Faculty research programs focus on improving traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices important to agriculture in the Upper Midwest. Faculty members participate in the Applied Plant Science and Plant and Microbial Biology graduate programs and teach in the Plant Science and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture undergraduate programs.

Pay Range: $32.76 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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 be considered for this position, a current curriculum vitae must be attached to your application.
• Application Deadline: October 9, 2026

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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.