RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (SOIL SCIENCE)

Varaha; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Varaha in India seeks a Research Associate (Soil Science) to lead soil sampling across regions, train field teams on protocols, and ensure proper storage and dispatch of samples to labs.

You will monitor field operations, maintain records, travel across states for training, and support QA/compliance with safety standards.

Master’s in soil-related field; 2+ years field team management; willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in field team management, soil sampling, agricultural fieldwork, or laboratory analysis.
• Strong knowledge of soil analysis procedures and laboratory protocols.
• Experience in training and managing field teams is preferred.
• Willingness to travel extensively across states for training and operational support.
• Proficiency in local languages is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Training & Capacity Building: Train field teams on standardized soil sampling protocols, including collection, handling, storage, and transportation of soil samples.
• Field Operations Management: Oversee and monitor the entire soil sampling process to ensure adherence to guidelines and quality standards.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with established soil sampling methodologies and safety protocols.
• Cross-State Training & Support: Travel to other states as required to train new teams and support ongoing field operations.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare regular reports on soil sampling progress, challenges, and solutions. Maintain detailed documentation of training sessions, team performance, and soil sample dispatch records.

Skills

Soil sampling

Field team management

Training

Quality control

Education

Master's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field

Job description

Varaha is a leading climate tech venture focused on nature-based solutions such as regenerative agriculture, ARR, and biochar projects that support smallholder land stewards at scale. In our second year of operation we are removing and avoiding more than 1 Million tons of CO2 and distributing the majority of the revenues to more than 100,000 smallholder land stewards in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our in-house best in class MRV technology includes a bio-geo-chemical model for soil carbon, remote sensing and machine learning and uses soil samples for calibration. Backed by leading global investors, our founding and management team comes with a stellar track record of successfully scaling projects and products to millions of smallholder land stewards at leading agri- and tech business.

Job Description

Position : Research Associate (Soil Science)

About the Role: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate (Soil Science) to lead and oversee the soil sampling process across designated regions. The ideal candidate will be responsible for training field teams on soil sample collection, ensuring proper storage and dispatch of samples to designated laboratories, and monitoring field operations. This role also involves assisting state coordinators with other project-related activities as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Training & Capacity Building:

• Train field teams on standardized soil sampling protocols, including collection, handling, storage, and transportation of soil samples.
• Conduct refresher training sessions as needed to maintain quality control.

Field Operations Management:

• Oversee and monitor the entire soil sampling process to ensure adherence to guidelines and quality standards.
• Ensure proper labeling, packaging, and timely dispatch of soil samples to designated laboratories.
• Troubleshoot issues arising in the field and provide real-time guidance to field teams.
• Manage, coordinate, and support the field team during the soil sampling period.
• Allocate resources efficiently to ensure timely completion of sampling activities.
• Provide feedback and performance evaluations for field teams.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Ensure strict compliance with established soil sampling methodologies and safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of soil samples collected, dispatched, and tested.
• Implement quality control measures to minimize errors and contamination risks.

Cross-State Training & Support:

• Travel to other states as required to train new teams and support ongoing field operations.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports on soil sampling progress, challenges, and solutions.
• Maintain detailed documentation of training sessions, team performance, and soil sample dispatch records.
• Communicate findings and updates to management and project stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field .
• Minimum 2 years of experience in field team management, soil sampling, agricultural fieldwork, or laboratory analysis.
• Strong knowledge of soil analysis procedures and laboratory protocols.
• Experience in training and managing field teams is preferred.
• Willingness to travel extensively across states for training and operational support.
• Proficiency in local languages is an advantage

Additional Information

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.