Ecology Research Assistant: Field & Lab Isotope Work

Utah State University; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Kulmatiski lab in soil science, plant communities, and root water uptake studies. Primary duties include processing soil samples, assisting with isotope analysis, and supporting greenhouse and field activities.

The role requires self-motivation and the ability to follow detailed procedures with minimal supervision. Applicants should have some ecology/soil science experience; lab soils processing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience in ecology/soil science is preferred.
• Experience working in a lab with soils processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process soil samples using basic lab equipment (hydrometers, scales, sieves, soil drying oven).
• Assist with isotope analysis samples and machine operation as trained.
• Support greenhouse experiments: water plants, weigh pots, record data.
• Participate in field campaigns including isotope injections, camping, and equipment handling.
• Read and replicate detailed procedures with minimal supervision.

Skills

Ecology experience

Soil science familiarity

Laboratory soils processing

Tools

Isotope analysis machine

Job description

Utah State University is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Kulmatiski lab in soil science, plant communities, and root water uptake studies. Primary duties include processing soil samples, assisting with isotope analysis, and supporting greenhouse and field activities.

The role requires self-motivation and the ability to follow detailed procedures with minimal supervision. Applicants should have some ecology/soil science experience; lab soils processing experience is a plus.