Research Assistant Job Description The Field Assistant is an entry-level, field-facing role that supports the execution of agricultural R&D field trials across various crops such as corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, canola, and biofuels, depending on the region. This position plays a critical role in collecting high-quality data and supporting daily field operations that contribute directly to the research and development pipeline. Working under the guidance of experienced team members, the Field Associate I assists with trial setup, in-season activities, and data collection while gaining hands-on experience with agricultural research practices, equipment, and technologies. Responsibilities + Support the execution of agricultural R&D field trials across various crops. + Assist with trial setup and in-season activities. + Collect high-quality data to support research and development efforts. + Work closely with experienced team members to gain hands-on experience with agricultural research practices. + Operate and maintain field equipment and technologies. Essential Skills + Experience in agriculture and research & development. + Proficient in data entry and data collection. + 1-3 years of working experience in relevant fields. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Knowledge of plant science and agricultural practices. + Familiarity with a range of crops including corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, canola, and biofuels. Work Environment The work environment includes both field and office settings. The role provides a good entry-level position in maize research, offering exposure to a variety of agricultural R&D activities. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Kansas City, MO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Kansas City,MO. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: + Hiring diverse talent + Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection + Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes + Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.