Lab & Field Specialist: Soil Ecology & Data

University of California - Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced seeks a Junior Specialist to support the Garcia Lab's soil ecology and sustainable agriculture research for the 2026-2027 academic year. The role includes field soil and plant sampling, processing samples, conducting soil and plant health assessments, and data organization and analysis.

The position also involves serving as lab manager, overseeing lab logistics and ensuring health and safety compliance, with a 12-month appointment starting September 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental systems, agriculture, or related field.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Laboratory experience in biology, environmental systems, agriculture or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support research in soil ecology and sustainable agriculture.
• Assist with field sampling, sample processing, and health assessments.
• Serve as lab manager, oversee lab logistics and health/safety compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Laboratory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

University of California, Merced seeks a Junior Specialist to support the Garcia Lab's soil ecology and sustainable agriculture research for the 2026-2027 academic year. The role includes field soil and plant sampling, processing samples, conducting soil and plant health assessments, and data organization and analysis.

The position also involves serving as lab manager, overseeing lab logistics and ensuring health and safety compliance, with a 12-month appointment starting September 2026.