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University of Wisconsin–Madison

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University of Wisconsin–Madison

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Research Assistant in Cover Crop Breeding

Apply now(opens in a new window) Job No: 28808
Division/Organization: USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center
Job Type: Local Student Jobs
Remote Eligbility: Partially Remote
Location: 1925 Linden Dr. Madison, WI 53705 (not on bus line)
Salary/Wage Range or Lump Sum: $16.85 to $18.71
Job Categories: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Data Analysis, Information Technology and Computers, STEM, Summer Off-Campus Opportunities, Libraries, Archives, and Museums

Department Overview:

The Cover Crop Breeding lab (http://covercropbreeding.com/) develops new cover crop varieties to boost the profitability of farms and protect the environment. We select cereal rye, hairy vetch, winter pea, and fava bean for winter hardiness, early vigor, high biomass, disease resistance, flowering time, seed yield, and soft seed. Together with the Forage Systems Agroecology Lab, we research the impacts of cereal rye allelopathy on alfalfa and corn, and how to utilize emergent cover crop species for forage.

Anticipated Start Date

 5/15/26

Anticipated Hours Per Week

 8 to 40

Salary/Wage Range:

 Hourly $16.85 to $18.71

Number Of Positions

 3

Position Summary/Job Duties:

The Cover Crop Breeding Lab (USDA-ARS) is hiring multiple individuals to work on one or both of the following projects:

  1. Screen scientific literature and add load a database on worldwide cover crop species and variety performance using AI. 
  2. Characterize plant genotypes at Arlington Ag Research Station and growth chambers and greenhouses on the UW campus, process DNA and plant samples in the field and lab, and maintain research plots.  Catalogue thousands of seed samples through seed packaging, inventory, and storage.  Utilize Google Drive, Google Sheets, Excel, and FieldBook software to manage research data.  Operate specialized research equipment including mowers, freezer mills, and threshers.

     

Qualifications:

1 (AI database project only):

  • Screening scientific literature requires focus, speed, attention to detail, self-motivation, independent work, ability to work on a computer, and tolerance of repetition. 
  • Knowledge of plant science, agriculture, and/or genetics preferred
  • Prior experience with peer-reviewed scientific literature would be desired. 
  • Experience with AI.

2 (Field and lab work only):

  • Interest in genetics, plant science, and/or agronomy
  • Possession of a drivers’ license
  • Ability to maintain detail, consistency, and accuracy through repetitive work
  • Experience with machines and tools preferred, ideally with agricultural machinery
  • Experience with Google Drive, Google Sheets, Excel, and tablets

Application Instructions:

Please send a resume and brief statement of interest to Lisa.Kissing.Kucek@usda.gov.

Contact:

 Org: USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center
Contact: Lisa Kissing Kucek
Web: www.covercropbreeding.com
Email: Lisa.Kissing.Kucek@usda.gov

Advertised: CST Central Standard Time
Applications close: CST Central Standard Time

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