Grad Research Assistantship

TITLE: GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP - Sustainability in the Distillation Industry DEPARTMENT: Land Grant Program PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: Graduate Research Assistantship positions will conduct research in supporting sustainability in the distillation industry and have the opportunity to earn a M.Sc. in Environmental Studies in the College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences as part of the Kentucky State University Land Grant Program. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: For the Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) positions, the successful candidates will conduct sustainability research in the fermentation and distillation industry and have the opportunity to earn a Master's of Science in Environmental Studies (MES) in the College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences. Research will focus on areas such as carbon neutrality, minimizing water consumption; reusing and recycling materials to reduce waste and sourcing renewable electricity in relation to the bourbon industry. This scholarship is supported by a partnership between Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and KSU in an effort to address the challenges of climate change increased sustainability and climate responsibility in relation to the distillation industry. Bulleit intends with the annual scholarship program to promote diversity in the spirits industry and provide opportunities for future leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in the brand's home state of Kentucky. The successful candidate must apply and be admitted to the MES program through GradCAS . ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (ex: duties that are essential to performing the job with or without accommodation) 1. Will conduct Research will focus on areas such as carbon neutrality, minimizing water consumption; reusing and recycling materials to reduce waste and sourcing renewable electricity in relation to the distillation industry in Kentucky. 2. Field duties will include participation in all aspects of the research project. 3. The field research will include collecting data, performing data analysis, and writing a thesis. 4. The GRA is expected to present research results in field days, extension meetings, regional and national professional conferences, and prepare manuscripts for publication. 5. Will pursue a thesis option as a full-time student in the Masters of Science in Environmental Studies. 6. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. OTHER DUTIES: (ex: tasks that may be necessary, but are not the main reason(s) the job was created) The position will conduct other duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS: A B.Sc. that focused on Agriculture, Biology, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science or a closely related field. Application must include: CV, all academic transcripts available, contact information of three references, official GRE score, and official TOEFL score (for international applicants). KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Ability to work independently or in team situations. Willingness to learn. Ability to effectively communicate. Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Requires some standing or walking. Ability to lift 40 lbs. No or very limited exposure to physical risk. Some travel required. KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.