Research Assistant

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

Job summary

Utah State University’s Kulmatiski lab is seeking a Research Assistant to support soil science, plant community analyses, and root water uptake studies. Tasks range from processing soil samples with basic lab tools to assisting in isotope analysis and field campaigns.

Ideal candidates are self-motivated, able to follow detailed procedures, and comfortable with flexible workloads and outdoor work. Some ecology/soil science experience is preferred, with potential for lab-based duties and field

Qualifications

• Must be self-motivated and able to complete tasks within set time frames.
• Willingness to follow detailed instructions and procedures.
• Experience in ecology or soil science preferred, soil processing experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process soil samples using basic lab equipment (hydrometers, scales, sieves).
• Assist with isotope analysis machine operation and sample prep.
• Support greenhouse experiments: watering, weighing pots, recording data.
• Participate in field campaigns including isotope injections and camping.
• Read and replicate detailed lab procedures independently.

Skills

Self-motivation

Time management

Independent work

Ecology knowledge

Soil science experience

Tools

Hydrometers

Scales

Sieves

Soil drying oven

Isotope analysis

Job description

Overview

A Research Assistant will help the members of the Kulmatiski lab complete research involving a wide array of subjects including soil science, plant community compositions, and root water uptake.

Responsibilities

Research Assistants may be assigned to focus on different work depending on the needs of the lab.

The most consistent work is processing soil samples using simple equipment like hydrometers, scales, sieves, and a soil drying oven. Additionally, the lab will train assistants on using the isotope analysis machine so that assistants can help the lab swap out/run samples. The lab also has an ongoing greenhouse experiment that needs consistent attention - tasks such as watering the plants with set amounts of water, weighing the pots, and recording the data. Finally, the lab also goes on field campaigns where lab members do several days of isotope injections into the ground. This involves camping, hauling equipment, following a very precise procedure, and helping cook/prepare food both before and after the trips.

Ideally, assistants will be given a task and a time-frame to complete it in and will independently manage it outside of necessary questions. Additionally, assistants will be required to to read a detailed procedure, ask any necessary questions, then replicate that procedure.

Qualifications

A Research Assistant must be self-motivated. Overall, a Research Assistant will have a flexible time commitment, be able to complete tasks in a set time-frame, and be willing to follow detailed instructions.

Ideally some experience in ecology/soil science. Experience working a lab doing soils processing is a plus, but not necessary.

Advertised Salary

$12/hour

ADA

This job will require light to moderate physical duties, depending on assigned work, consisting of lifting 25-50 pounds semi-regularly, spending extended periods of time on your feet whether in the lab or the field, and exposure to elements including dust, uncomfortable temperatures (<40 degrees F and >85 degrees F) on occasion. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

If there are restrictions to your ability to do field work that involves kneeling, stooping, and walking multiple kms every day, there is still potential for an exclusively lab-oriented position.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.Additionally,USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at [phone] [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[e-mail]

[phone]

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695 | [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [e-mail]

*updated 08/2026