Research Assistant I

Woodwell Climate Research Center; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Work-life balance

Job summary

Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, MA is seeking a Research Assistant for the Soil Carbon team. This entry-level role supports lab-based sample processing, data entry, and final analysis, with occasional fieldwork to collect soil samples.

You will work under supervision in a multi-disciplinary lab environment to gain hands-on experience. Responsibilities include processing soils for analyses, maintaining safety and equipment, and data reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or related work experience.
• Basic chemistry knowledge and lab safety awareness required.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Proficient note-taking and data entry capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Work across agroecosystems on regenerative practices and soil projects.
• Collect, process, and analyze soil samples with standard lab methods.
• Prepare samples by drying, grinding, or extracting for analyses.
• Maintain lab safety, inventory, and orderly workspace.
• Perform routine soil tests including pH, carbon, nitrogen analyses.
• Collate data and generate reports for team review.

Skills

Basic chemistry

Lab safety practices

Attention to detail

Clear notes

MS Excel / Google Sheets

Time management

Stand for long periods

Lift 40 lbs

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Soil Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology or related field

Tools

MS Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Mission

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Mission

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis. Woodwell Climate is a global non‑profit, working at the intersection of science and decision‑making. We are built on a foundation of world‑class research with the drive to take action and contribute real‑world solutions - partnering with communities, businesses and policymakers to protect life and livelihoods from the devastating impacts of climate change. Founded in 1985 by world‑renowned ecologist George Woodwell, our organization is headquartered in Falmouth, MA with over 150 employees.

Summary

Join Woodwell’s Soil Carbon team as a Research Assistant. The successful applicant will work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team consisting of PIs, research scientists, postdocs and other research assistants. Under the supervision of other team members, you will be responsible for a variety of laboratory tasks from sample processing through to final analysis on various instruments. While the position is primarily lab‑based, there will be occasional field work collecting soil samples. This is an entry level laboratory position and all necessary training will be provided. The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, hard working and reliable.

Responsibilities Include, But Not Limited To

• Work across a range of agroecosystems with major projects focused on regenerative agricultural practices, cover crop adoption and grazing management systems
• Seeks to understand and promote the role soils can play in nature‑based climate solutions
• Collect soil samples in various field setting
• Process, inventory and catalog new soil samples
• Prepare soil samples by drying, grinding or extraction for various analyses
• Follow lab safety procedures and maintain a safe and tidy work environment
• Perform routine soil laboratory testing including, but not limited to, pH, calcium carbonate equivalents, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, elemental analysis for carbon and nitrogen, texture by particle size analysis, colorimetric nutrient assays, microbial respiration, enzymatic activity
• Data collation and reporting

Must Have The Following Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Basic chemistry
• Familiarity with lab safety practices
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
• Ability to take clear notes
• Knowledge of basic data management software (MS Excel or Google sheets)
• Good time management skills
• Standard lab instrumentation a plus
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to lift 40 lbs
• Willingness to learn and take ownership of work

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Soil Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology or relevant related field preferred, or relevant work‑related experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree

Application review starting October, 1, 2026 and will be ongoing

Desired Start Date: November 2026

Fixed‑term: 2 years, with potential for extension

Classification and Compensation: This is a full‑time, salaried, exempt position, the annual salary range starting at $54,000 (Falmouth, MA based) dependent on qualifications/experience. Compensation for remote or out‑of‑state candidates may vary based on local geographic differentials. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work life balance.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts onsite

Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.