Research Associate Specialist

****All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).**** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ **If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Job Posting Title: ------------------ Research Associate Specialist Position Type: -------------- Other Academic Department: ----------- LSUAG Vice Presidents Office - Audubon Sugar Institute (Stephania Imbachi Ordonez (00063900)) Work Location: -------------- 0101 Audubon Sugar Institute - Iberville Parish Pay Grade: ---------- Other Academic Job Description: ---------------- **Work Location:** Audubon Sugar Institute, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, St. Gabriel, Louisiana. Audubon Sugar Institute has been a part of the Louisiana State University System for over 100 years. It is unique in offering a mix of research, extension, education and training in all aspects of sugar processing. It is committed to achieving excellence in the local and international areas. **Position Description:** 80% (Research) – The individual will be responsible for conducting physical and chemical analyses of sugar factory products, including juices, syrups, molasses, massecuites, sugar, and other process materials, as well as samples submitted by other industries or external clients, as needed. Responsibilities include preparing and analyzing samples, maintaining accurate laboratory records, reporting results in a timely manner, and ensuring laboratory equipment is properly maintained and calibrated. The individual will maintain chemical, supply, and equipment inventories, keep the laboratory clean, organized, and in compliance with laboratory safety standards, follow laboratory safety procedures, and assist with periodic laboratory safety inspections and other laboratory duties as assigned. 20% (Extension) – The incumbent will assist with research and extension projects by traveling to sugar factories, research facilities, industrial sites, and other locations to collect samples and record operating data. The incumbent will perform laboratory analyses of collected samples, assist with summarizing and reporting results, and may contribute to technical reports, posters, and presentations for industry meetings and conferences. Regular travel is required, and the incumbent is expected to operate a university or personal vehicle, as appropriate, to fulfill these responsibilities. **Qualification Requirements:** A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/ Chemical Engineering/Analytical Chemistry or closely related field plus experience in chemical research or analyses. Experience with analytical methods used in sugar processing research.  Proficiency with instruments such as refractometers, spectrophotometers, and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is preferable. A valid driver's license and the ability to travel independently to sugar factories, research facilities, industrial sites, and other locations throughout Louisiana are required. LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications.  If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (La RS 42:36). **Salary and Benefits:** Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.  The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.  Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. **Date Available:** Upon completion of the selection process. **Application Deadline:** August 11, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified. **Application Procedure**: Apply online at [https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU](https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU%20) (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to: Stephania Imbachi-Ordonez, PhD. Research-Instructor Audubon Sugar Institute - LSU Agricultural Center 3845 Hwy 75, St. Gabriel, LA. 70776 E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])  Website: [www.lsuagcenter.com](http://www.lsuagcenter.com) The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Additional Job Description: --------------------------- Competencies: ------------- None Special Instructions: --------------------- **Skills Needed:** **Preferred Skills:** Posting Date: ------------- July 28, 2026 Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): ------------------------------------------------------ Additional Position Information: -------------------------------- **Background Check -** An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. **Benefits -** The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.    Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement. Essential Position (Y/N): ------------------------- About the LSU Agricultural Center: ---------------------------------- The [LSU AgCenter](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lsuagcenter.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7Casimpson1%40lsu.edu%7C9d7673849fbb4b662def08d988e41116%7C2d4dad3f50ae47d983a09ae2b1f466f8%7C0%7C0%7C637691335852680495%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=1wtPzGx6IXJLNGoilFG87wVLXO%2Fi3VlLsLAfKtA9cMg%3D&reserved=0), is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish.  For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at [www.lsuagcenter.com](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lsuagcenter.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7Casimpson1%40lsu.edu%7C9d7673849fbb4b662def08d988e41116%7C2d4dad3f50ae47d983a09ae2b1f466f8%7C0%7C0%7C637691335852680495%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=1wtPzGx6IXJLNGoilFG87wVLXO%2Fi3VlLsLAfKtA9cMg%3D&reserved=0).    The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ------------------------------------------------------------- HCM Contact Information: ------------------------ Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).