Purdue University is seeking a Research Analyst – Agriculture (Technical Farm Analyst) at the Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center (SEPAC) in Butlerville, IN. This role is responsible for the collection, analysis, and maintenance of digital data, using unmanned aerial systems, GIS, precision ag equipment, and yield monitors to support agronomic research across the Purdue Ag Center system.
About SEPAC — Purdue’s Southeast Agricultural Research Center
Institution: Purdue University, a land-grant research university built on collaboration and Boilermaker pride
Research Focus: Digital data collection, precision agriculture, and agronomic crop research
Technology Stack: Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), GIS mapping, yield monitors, variable-rate equipment
Career Path: Professional 1 career stream with structured Purdue compensation guidelines
Research Impact & Career Opportunity
Hands-On Research: Operate drones, GIS systems, combine yield monitors, planters, and sprayers in active field trials
Cross-Department Support: Provide research support for multiple departments and disciplines within the College of Agriculture
Knowledge Sharing: Present and share research results with Principal Investigators, extension, and the public
Career Growth: Build technical and agronomic expertise within Purdue’s structured Career Path Maker framework
Position Overview
This Research Analyst – Agriculture role at Purdue’s SEPAC center is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and maintaining digital data used in agronomic crop research. You will utilize unmanned aerial systems to collect and process imagery, develop and analyze maps comparing physical topography with soils, fertilizer, pest, or weather data, collect soil and yield data using data recorders and basic GIS, and document and maintain research records in support of Principal Investigators and the broader College of Agriculture.
Why This Role Matters: As Research Analyst – Agriculture at Purdue SEPAC, you operate cutting-edge precision ag and drone technology in real research fields, support agronomic studies that inform extension recommendations and public knowledge, work hands-on with GIS, yield monitors, and variable-rate equipment, coordinate trials across the Purdue Ag Center system with growing independence, and build a technical agricultural career within a respected land-grant university.
Key Responsibilities
Drone Imagery & Precision Ag Technology
- Utilize unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to collect and process imagery for research applications
- Continued advancement and utilization of UAS for application and imaging purposes
- Install, calibrate, and maintain sensors, mechanical controls, and computer settings
GIS & Geospatial Data Management
- Develop and analyze maps comparing physical topography with soils, fertilizer, pest, or weather data
- Manage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data from implements and software
- Generate and retrieve georeferenced data for machine control, uploading telemetries to cloud software
Field Data Collection & Equipment Operation
- Collect soil attribute and yield data using data recorders and basic GIS tools
- Set up, calibrate, and operate research combine yield monitors, planters, drills, seeders, sprayers, and fertilizer spreaders
- Operate combines, harvesting equipment, grain wagons, augers, trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, and trenchers as needed
Research Coordination & Reporting
- Coordinate and implement trials across the Purdue Ag Center system with minimal oversight
- Analyze and summarize data scientifically for review with PIs, researchers, extension, and the public
- Scout for pests and production problems, tabulating and reporting threshold limit issues
- Provide professional, high-level support for Principal Investigators within the College of Agriculture
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in an Agricultural discipline
- Equivalent combination of education and experience considered (Associate’s + 3 years, or HS/GED + 5 years)
Experience Requirements
- 1+ year of experience with modern production practices associated with agronomic crops
- Basic knowledge of precision ag equipment and electronics operation and integration
Essential Skills & Licensing
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems on research equipment
- Must hold or be able to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license within one year
- Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework in engineering or technology
- Technical, welding, and electrical skills
About Purdue University & SEPAC
Purdue University is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride, and endless opportunity to live, learn, and grow. The Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center (SEPAC) in Butlerville, IN supports agronomic crop research through digital data collection, precision agriculture technology, and field trials coordinated across the broader Purdue Ag Center system. This position falls under Purdue’s Professional 1 career stream, Pay Band S120, and is FLSA exempt. A background check is required, and Purdue does not sponsor employment authorization for this role.
Career Excellence: Build a hands-on agricultural research career within one of the nation’s leading land-grant universities.
Who Should Apply?
- Agricultural Science Graduates: With a Bachelor’s degree and hands-on crop production experience
- Precision Ag Technicians: Comfortable operating drones, GIS software, and yield monitors
- Farm Equipment Operators: Skilled with planters, sprayers, combines, and research field equipment
- Geospatial & Data Professionals: Interested in applying GIS and remote sensing to agronomic research
- Future Agricultural Researchers: Seeking to build a technical career path within a major university research center
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