Research Aide

The research aide position performs pre-established research procedures under general supervision from the principal investigator in the wheat breeding and genetics program. The position assists in planning and conducting field research supporting breeding activities. This position is also expected to supervise seasonal employees and maintain safe working conditions.

Position Overview

The research aide performs pre-established research procedures under general supervision. When applicable, the position is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining research space and equipment, and assisting with receipt and inspection of raw materials, along with ordering and stocking of materials and equipment.

Duties may include:

• Operating electronic and scientific equipment
• Collecting laboratory or field data while following existing protocols
• Preparing materials for testing
• Performing specialized or routine standardized tests
• Operating, maintaining, calibrating, and sterilizing laboratory/field equipment
• Cleaning glassware and work areas
• Reading, recording, and filing reports and correspondence
• Entering data and maintaining specimen logs, test results, and supplies used
• Assuring proper labeling and paperwork for the receipt and shipping of specimens
• Distributing, maintaining, and ordering research supplies
• Collecting and recording data following pre-established procedures or protocols
• Using a computer to collect and record data
• Accomplishing goals or completion of projects in a team environment

Required Education

• High school diploma or equivalent

Required Other

• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles
• Possess an Idaho Limited Pesticide Applicator's License or be able to obtain one within six months
• Ability to travel overnight and to remote site locations
• Ability to work nonstandard business hours when the workload dictates, i.e., evenings, weekends, and possible holidays

Additional Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Science
• Hands-on research experience through coursework, employment, internships, fellowships or similar educational opportunity
• Large field equipment operation, such as tractors, sprayers, 4-wheelers, combines and trailers
• Hands-on research experiences in small grains cultivar development
• Ability to work independently with general supervision and oversight to complete tasks

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift, carry, and/or otherwise move up to 50 pounds
• May be required to work with toxic, volatile, or corrosive chemicals and/or carcinogenic substances
• May be required to work in adverse environmental conditions (dusty, hot, or cold conditions outdoors)

Degree Requirement

Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

Posting Information

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employee Category: Classified

Pay Range: $20.00 per hour or higher depending on experience

Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year

FTE: 1

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.

Posting Date: 03/03/2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications received by March 17, 2026, will receive first consideration. IMPORTANT : To be considered, your "Letter of Qualification" must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.

If you would like to receive a full position description, please email and request that one be sent to you.

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Letter of Qualification

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( ).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
  • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
• Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

  (Open Ended Question)