Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537246 Work type: Research Faculty ... Experience conducting agricultural, horticultural, greenhouse, hydroponic, or indoor vertical farm ...
Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537246 Work type: Research Faculty ... Experience conducting agricultural, horticultural, greenhouse, hydroponic, or indoor vertical farm ...
Hydroponic Associate information
What is a hydroponic associate?
Hydroponic Associates are professionals who work in hydroponic farming environments, assisting with the cultivation of plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring plant health, mixing and applying nutrients, maintaining equipment, and ensuring optimal growing conditions. They may also assist with harvesting, packaging, and keeping records of plant growth and system performance. This role is crucial for the efficient and sustainable production of crops in controlled environments. Hydroponic Associates often work in greenhouses, vertical farms, or research facilities.
What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a hydroponic associate?
To thrive as a Hydroponic Associate, you need a basic understanding of plant biology, horticulture practices, and preferably experience or education in agriculture or plant science. Familiarity with hydroponic systems, nutrient dosing equipment, pH meters, and environmental controls is often required, along with handling relevant safety protocols. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure optimal plant growth, efficient system maintenance, and contribute to a productive, safe, and collaborative work environment.
What are common challenges a hydroponic associate faces in maintaining plant health, and how are they addressed?
Hydroponic Associates often encounter challenges such as nutrient imbalances, pest management, and maintaining optimal water quality. These issues require close monitoring of pH levels, nutrient concentrations, and environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. Effective associates collaborate with growers and technicians to quickly identify and correct problems, using data logs and regular system checks. Continuous learning and adherence to best practices help ensure healthy plant growth and high yields.
What is the difference between Hydroponic Associate vs Greenhouse Technician?
| Aspect | Hydroponic Associate | Greenhouse Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma; some roles may require horticulture certifications | High school diploma; horticulture or agricultural certifications often preferred |
| Work Environment | Indoor hydroponic farms, controlled environment | Greenhouses, outdoor or indoor settings |
| Job Duties | Managing hydroponic systems, planting, harvesting, monitoring nutrient levels | Maintaining greenhouse conditions, plant care, pest control |
The Hydroponic Associate and Greenhouse Technician roles share similarities in plant care and environmental monitoring. However, Hydroponic Associates focus specifically on soil-less, nutrient-rich water systems in controlled environments, while Greenhouse Technicians work in traditional greenhouse settings with soil-based or mixed methods. Both roles require horticultural knowledge and are essential in modern agriculture and urban farming industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydroponic jobs in Virginia?
The most popular types of Hydroponic jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Hydroponic Associate jobs in Virginia?
For Hydroponic Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydroponic Associate jobs in Virginia look for?
The top searched job categories for Hydroponic Associate jobs in Virginia are:
Research Associate
Blacksburg, VA
Virginia Tech •
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees5,001 - 10,000 employees
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Job description
Research Associate
Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537246
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Plant & Environmental Sci
Location: Hybrid
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science
Job Description
The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) at Virginia Tech seeks a Research Associate to support the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a partnership between Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) located in Danville, Virginia. The primary work location is Danville, Virginia.
This position is supported through the funded project sponsored by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, Meeting the Need of the CEA Industry Through Testing Services and Educational Material Development (2026-2028), and will play a key role in expanding research, testing services, educational programming, and technology adoption within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry.
The Research Associate will lead the implementation and management of applied research as well as projects in industry-sponsored trials with greenhouse, indoor vertical farm, hydroponic, lighting, automation, environmental control, and agricultural technology companies to evaluate products, technologies, and production practices. The incumbent will collaborate with industry partners, faculty, graduate students, and research staff to develop testing protocols, conduct research, collect and analyze data, develop technical reports, and communicate findings. In addition to overseeing industry-sponsored trials, the Research Associate will contribute to scholarly outputs, including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and will support Virginia Cooperative Extension programming through the development of educational materials, such as factsheets. A long-term goal of this position is to help establish a sustainable testing service program that supports the continued growth of the regional and national CEA industry.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Crop Science, Controlled Environment Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
Experience conducting agricultural, horticultural, greenhouse, hydroponic, or indoor vertical farm research.
Experience with experimental design, data collection, and data management.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret research data.
Strong technical writing, scientific communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work in greenhouse and indoor agricultural environments and perform routine physical tasks associated with crop production and research activities.
Ability to traverse uneven terrain and walk, stand, stoop, and bend for long periods.
Ability to lift, move, and carry equipment at or above 25 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
Some experience conducting research in microbiology, plant pathology, or a related field.
Experience working directly with agricultural producers, industry stakeholders, or commercial partners.
Experience with statistical analysis and graphing software, such as R.
Record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
57,783 - 65,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
09/07/2026
Additional Information
The primary work location is Danville, Virginia.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Kaylee South at kasouth@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: August 17, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech
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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Blacksburg, VA, US
Year founded
1872
Website
What Virginia Tech employees say
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Benefits
Hours and flexibility
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