Research Technician 2: Lab & Field Operations

Ohio State University; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio State University in Columbus, OH seeks a Research Technician 2 to provide professional research support in the Sustainable Agroecosystems Lab, focusing on laboratory operations for forage, grazing systems, and environmental-impact studies.

The role involves meticulous sample handling, analyses with NIRS and gas chromatography, fieldwork with livestock, and data formatting for manuscripts and outreach materials.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and one year of lab experience with sample processing, organization/labeling, and instrument operation such as NIRS or gas chromatography.
• Proven attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow multi-step protocols accurately over time.
• Willingness to perform physically demanding fieldwork including livestock handling, exposure to heat and long days at research sites.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and ability to drive; travel ~100 miles round trips during peak periods (May–November).
• Ability to work collaboratively, take ownership of tasks, and support team colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Organize, label, track, and process laboratory samples (forage, soil, greenhouse-gas) with high accuracy.
• Perform and quality-check laboratory analyses, including NIRS and gas chromatography; maintain equipment.
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, storage, and data organization; prepare reports and invoices.
• Train and oversee student research assistants on procedures and safety.
• Support field data collection and operation of field equipment; travel to stations ~100 miles from Columbus during peak periods.
• Format data and contribute to manuscripts and extension materials.
• Perform other duties including equipment maintenance and ad-hoc field support.

Skills

Attention to detail

Lab sample processing

Instrument operation

Data quality control

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

NIRS

Gas chromatography

Laboratory instruments

Excel

R

Job description

Ohio State University in Columbus, OH seeks a Research Technician 2 to provide professional research support in the Sustainable Agroecosystems Lab, focusing on laboratory operations for forage, grazing systems, and environmental-impact studies.

The role involves meticulous sample handling, analyses with NIRS and gas chromatography, fieldwork with livestock, and data formatting for manuscripts and outreach materials.