Field & Lab Soil Chemistry Research Assistant

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Parikh Soil Chemistry Laboratory to support a soil, water quality, and carbon cycling project. The role combines field sampling, lab analysis, data management, and preparation of graphs, tables, and reports.

Field work includes travel to research sites with potential overnight trips; experiments use established methods and standard lab equipment. A Bachelor's degree and valid CA driver license are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, Hydrology, Agricultural Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of application.
• Experience conducting laboratory or field research.
• Experience working with soil, water, or other environmental samples.
• Experience organizing and managing research data.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel or comparable software for quantitative analysis.
• Experience preparing graphs, figures, or tables from experimental data.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate research records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Valid California driver's license required by the start date of the appointment.
• Ability and willingness to travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day trips as required by the project

Responsibilities

• Participate in field collection of soil and water samples and associated field measurements.
• Travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day sampling trips as required by the project.
• Assist with preparation and transport of field equipment and supplies.
• Prepare, process, preserve, and organize soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.
• Conduct chemical and physical analyses of soil and water samples using established laboratory methods and instrumentation.
• Prepare standards, reagents, calibration curves, and quality-control samples and maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Organize and maintain field and laboratory datasets and perform quality-control checks on collected data.
• Perform calculations and quantitative analyses of experimental data.
• Use Excel and other statistical or graphical software to analyze data and prepare scientific graphs, figures, and tables.
• Participate in interpretation of soil and water chemistry data in relation to project objectives.
• Conduct literature searches related to analytical methods and interpretation of research results.
• Assist with preparation of research reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.

Skills

Field sampling

Soil analysis

Data management

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science / Environmental Science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Parikh Soil Chemistry Laboratory to support a soil, water quality, and carbon cycling project. The role combines field sampling, lab analysis, data management, and preparation of graphs, tables, and reports.

Field work includes travel to research sites with potential overnight trips; experiments use established methods and standard lab equipment. A Bachelor's degree and valid CA driver license are required.