Overview:

Research Associates work under the watch of principal investors and are responsible for correlating, implementing, and documenting research trials and assignments.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Assist on research project teams and as assigned by research management
• Work within agreed budget and reporting deadlines as planned and coordinated by the Research Manager
• Manage trial establishment and collection of data as designed and requested by management
• Meet the company requirements for trial planning and operation of research projects
• Provide management reporting and analysis in regard to trial/research progress
• Utilize state-of-art technologies to complete research projects as they relate to a particular product

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a science related filed like plant breeding, agronomy, crop science, soil science, biology,  or a related field is preferred to become a research associate.

To pursue a career as a Research Associate:

The following high school courses are recommended:agricultural education, a focus on science, earth science, biology, botany, chemistry, and mathematics.

Typical Employers:

Employed by seed companies, crop protection companies,  research firms, governmental organizations, environmental organizations, and colleges or universities.

Future Job Market/Outlook:

For those with advanced degrees the current and future job market for research associates can be considered good.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:

• Soil Science Society of America
• American Society of Agronomy
• Crop Science Society of America
• American Society of Plant Biologist