Research Assistant (Soil Carbon)

Sowela; Falmouth (MA); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, MA, is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Soil Carbon team. You will support laboratory analyses from sample processing to final data analysis, with occasional field sampling.

The role is entry-level with training provided, requiring reliability and motivation. Responsibilities include soil sampling across agroecosystems, processing and cataloging samples, and performing standard laboratory tests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent work experience
• Strong lab skills and safety compliance
• Ability to perform fieldwork and lab tasks
• Good documentation and note-taking abilities
• Familiarity with data management tools (MS Excel/Google Sheets)
• Demonstrated time management and reliability

Responsibilities

• Work across agroecosystems on regenerative agriculture projects and grazing management studies
• Collect soil samples in field settings for analysis
• Process, inventory, and catalog soil samples
• Prepare soil samples by drying, grinding, or extraction for analyses
• Follow lab safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized workspace
• Perform routine soil lab tests (pH, calcium carbonate, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, elemental analysis for C and N, texture by particle size, colorimetric assays, microbial respiration, enzymatic activity)
• Data curation and reporting of results

Skills

Basic chemistry

Lab safety practices

Detail-oriented

Notes taking

Data management software

Time management

Lab instrumentation

Plant to lift 40 lbs

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology or related field

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.

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 Climate'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

Physical Requirements:

In the office:

Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting

Ability to lift 40 pounds

Ability to communicate, verbally and written

Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items

Ability to use phone and computers

Repetitive movements

In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:

Valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

Driving a vehicle or ATV to access field sites

Willingness to work long hours or extended periods in an isolated setting.

Ability to work in variable (snow, rain, high and low temperatures) weather conditions in remote locations, often under physically demanding circumstances.

Work environment involves exposure to job hazards (including but not limited to wild and domestic animals, biting insects, exposure to elements, unstable walking conditions)

Air, train, vehicle travel to access field locations

Walking to access field sites, often carrying up to 40 lbs of equipment

Standing and sitting for sustained periods

Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling

Reaching and lifting overhead

Climbing ladders

Use of manual and power tools including augers, shovels, saws, drills, and hammers

Ability to lift up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

Ability to carry up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

Ability to push/pull up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

Work Environment:

The functions of this role are conducted indoors and outdoors

Hours of Work:

This role is paid on a salary basis.

Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried position. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position. This may mean weekend hours and/or hours beyond 40 per week.

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

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell's work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

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.