2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Assistant (Ornamental Weed Management "Saha" Lab)
The weed management for ornamental crop production “Saha” lab at the Department of Horticulture, MSU is seeking applicants for an undergraduate summer research assistant position for Summer 2026. Internship credit can be obtained through this position.
The successful candidate will be assisting in setting up, maintaining, and collecting data for research projects on weed management for ornamental crop production. Activities will include (but are not limited to) collecting different types of weed seeds, filling up pots with soil/substrate, potting ornamental plants, occasionally lifting heavy bags of soil (up to 50 lbs), data collection, entering data into Excel, etc. Applicants must be prepared to work outside, in greenhouse, fields, and in the lab located at the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center (HTRC), several commercial nurseries and Christmas tree farms (within Michigan), and at the Plant & Soil Science Building, respectively. This position requires traveling by MSU (lab) vehicles to different commercial Christmas tree farms and commercial nurseries for collecting data along with graduate research assistants.
Qualifications:
- Interest in ornamental horticulture, weed science, greenhouse, field and physical work
- Interest in some basic lab work
- Driver’s license, car, and basic computer skills
- Previous research experience is not required as training will be provided
Working Timeframe, Hours, and Pay:
- Start Date: May (after final exams)
- End Date: August (around start of classes) with the potential to extend into Fall 2026 upon available funding and workload
- Pay: $17-$18/hour (based on experience)
- Hours: Up to 30 hours/week
To Apply:
Email your most recent and updated resume in ONE email by March 26 to:
Dr. Debalina Saha, Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture