Full-time graduate research assistantships are available in the Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department  (https://www.sdstate.edu/agronomy-horticulture-plant-science) at South Dakota State University located in Brookings, South Dakota. The assistantships include a tuition waiver and an annual stipend. Assistantships are available to start immediately.

The successful applicants will conduct research in one or more of the following areas:

• Investigation of the relationship between different soil health measurements and corn nitrogen rate requirements along with the effect of newly developed biochar based slow-release fertilizers and their effect on movement of nitrogen in the soil profile and crop growth and yield.
• Investigate the relationship between response of corn to potassium fertilizer and clay mineralogy across South Dakota. The relationship between soil potassium tests and clay mineralogy will be explored. The student will also work on evaluating the effect of potassium fertilizer placement on the response of crop to potassium fertilization.

Desired Qualifications

Candidates with a BS or MS degree in agronomy, soil science, plant science, or closely related field. Effective oral communication skills and a good technical writing ability are essential. Applicants also need to be willing to work hard, be detail oriented, and work independently and in a team environment. These positions require travel to research fields so a valid driver’s license is necessary. In addition to assigned research project responsibilities, graduate students will help complete the work for other nutrient management related projects by obtaining soil and plant samples, processing samples, and organizing and analyzing data. Candidates must also meet all requirements for admission to South Dakota State University, https://www.sdstate.edu/graduate-school/admission-requirements. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to travel to local, regional, and national conferences to present their research findings.

If you have further questions, please contact Jason Clark at Jason.D.Clark@sdstate.edu. If you are interested, please send a cover letter stating interest in a position and relevant education and other experiences, CV, GRE scores, TOEFL or ILTS scores (if relevant) and unofficial transcripts.

• Candidates with a BS or MS degree in agronomy, soil science, plant science, or closely related field
•  Candidates must also meet all requirements for admission to South Dakota State University, https://www.sdstate.edu/graduate-school/admission-requirements. 
• Candidates need to be willing to work hard, be detail oriented, and work independently and in a team environment

About South Dakota State University

BENEFITS: South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY: South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures. South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement. As th...e state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota. Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling. Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota. The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school. The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

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