Research Project Coordinator

Inside Higher Ed; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 31,588 - 41,259; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Columbus, Ohio is seeking a full-time Research Project Coordinator to manage laboratory-based research projects focused on seed-based restoration strategies. This role requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to oversee multiple projects and staff, and expertise in plant ecology. The ideal candidate should be skilled in data analysis using Excel and R, as well as microscopy and plant cultivation. The position is set for a term of 1 year with a salary range of $22.93 – $29.95 per hour.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience for High School diploma or GED.
• 1 year with a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
• Expertise in plant ecology.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory-based research projects.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple projects and staff.
• Prepare graphs and conduct data analyses.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Ability to work independently

Microscopy

Data analysis with Excel and R

Education

Bachelor's Degree in biological or environmental sciences

Tools

LI-COR 6800

Excel

R

Job description

Research Project Coordinator – Full-time

Job Title: Research Project Coordinator

Department: Arts and Sciences | Evolution Ecology and Organismal Biology

The Slate Plant Ecology Lab at Ohio State University is hiring a full‑time Research Project Coordinator to manage laboratory‑based research projects designed to improve the success of seed‑based restoration strategies. The research requires fine attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, the ability to oversee and coordinate multiple projects and research lab staff, to anticipate and solve most lab issues with little supervision, to prepare graphs and advanced data analyses, and to lead report and/or publication writing efforts. The Research Project Coordinator will lead lab, field and greenhouse research projects and train new and existing research lab staff. The Coordinator should be an expert at growing plants across a range of experimental settings. Lab and greenhouse work will involve microscopy; taking physiological measurements (e.g., photosynthetic capacity, water use efficiency); taking morphological measurements (e.g., root and leaf scanning); coordinating seed dormancy treatments; and computer work (e.g., data sheet preparation and overseeing data entry). Field work will require installation of experimental infrastructure and advanced plant identification skills of native plants at the seedling level.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in biological, environmental sciences, ecology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Required Experience: 5 years of relevant experience with a High School diploma or GED; 3 years with an Associate’s Degree; 1 year with a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Preferred Experience: Four years of relevant experience, including leading laboratory or greenhouse‑based research and mentoring research lab staff.
• Skill Requirements: Ability to work independently with a LI‑COR 6800 (required); experience with microscopy, plant cultivation, plant functional traits, Excel, and R for data entry and plotting (preferred).
• Physical Requirements: Able to lift 22.5 kg (50 lbs.), stand or sit for long periods of time for laboratory procedures.
• Background: All candidates should have a background or interest in plant ecology.

Additional Information

The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences seeks a Research Assistant to join our team. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world‑class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best scholars and scientists in their field.

Compensation & Term

Pay Range: $22.93 – $29.95

Term: 1 year

Location: Aronoff Laboratory (0131)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 40 per week

Shift: First Shift

Background Check

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Ohio State Commitment

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.