Work opportunities for undergraduates who are interested in plant breeding and genetics are available. We work on plant breeding and genetics of small grains, including wheat, oats, rye and intermediate wheatgrass. 

Full time hourly work - approx. May 13-Aug. 12: Come learn all about plant breeding in Kentucky and get paid to do it! Responsibilities will include field data collection, harvesting plants, preparing and analyzing seeds for future studies, and occasional greenhouse work or sample preparation for laboratory analysis.

Requirements: No experience required! This position requires outdoor agricultural work in all weather conditions. Students are required to provide their own transportation to the research farm in Lexington, with limited exceptions. All safety and research trainings will be provided on the job, and wage will align with MGCAFE standards. 

Interested? Contact Dr. Lauren Brzozowski at lauren.brzozowski@uky.edu. 

Date: Summer (May-August 2026)

Requirements: Willingness to work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. Some travel may be required.

Responsibilities: Student will assist in field based research and education programs on road side vegetation management. This includes management of invasive plant species as well as promotion of pollinator habitat. Responsibilities include assisting in establishment of field plots, data collection and evaluation, maintaining ongoing trials, and assisting with education programs, such as field days. Student may also gain experience in other weed science research programs. Student will receive hands on experience in vegetation management, weed science, and research methods.

Competitive hourly pay. Good experiential learning opportunity (can be for credit).

Contact: Dr. Joe Omielan
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Turf Research Center (Spindletop Farm)
joe.omielan@uky.edu 
859-967-6205

Paid position in soil microbiology research

Help with a variety of soil microbiology projects and gain skills in scientific research

Prior greenhouse experience preferred, though enthusiasm/willingness to learn is most important!

Part-time (20 hours/week), May-August 2026

Questions? Dr. Ernie Osburn, e.osburn@uky.edu