Scientist - Soil Health Assessment Center/Soil & Plant Testing Lab

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia seeks a Scientist to lead applied soil fertility and soil health research within the Soil Health Assessment Center (SHAC) and Soil & Plant Testing Lab (SPTL). The role includes overseeing research operations, developing SOPs, ensuring QA/QC, and contributing to grants and publications.

The appointment starts with a 60/40 split—60% at SHAC and 40% at SPTL—then may adjust to support lab operations. Strong collaboration, mentoring, and outreach are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area required.
• Ph.D. in a relevant field strongly preferred due to independent research and publication responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct replicated field, greenhouse, incubation, and laboratory research in soil fertility, nutrient management, soil testing, and soil health.
• Analyze and interpret data using appropriate statistical and data-management methods; assess data quality and uncertainty.
• Develop and validate sampling and analytical methods, SOPs, instrument calibrations, and QA/QC processes.
• Prepare peer‑reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, Extension publications, and presentations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Ph.D. in a relevant field (preferred)

Job description

Hiring Department

Soil Health Assessment Center/ Soil & Plant Testing Lab

Job Description

The University of Missouri's Soil and Plant Testing Lab (SPTL) and Soil Health Assessment Center (SHAC) are seeking a Scientist to conduct applied soil fertility and soil health research and support the integration of research activities within SPTL and SHAC. This position will provide scientific leadership, oversee research and laboratory operations, and contribute to grant development and publications. Responsibilities include independently planning and executing field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies; developing and validating methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs); analyzing and interpreting data; maintaining quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) standards; preparing publications, reports, Extension products, and presentations; and coordinating assigned phases of research projects.

The initial appointment will be a 60/40 split, 60% (3-day/week) at SHAC and 40% (2-day/week) at SPTL, but this may be adjusted as needed to support lab operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs and conducts replicated field, greenhouse, incubation, and laboratory research in soil fertility, nutrient management, soil testing, and soil health.
• Analyzes, integrates, and interprets research and laboratory data using appropriate statistical, geospatial, and reproducible data-management methods; evaluates uncertainty and data quality.
• Develops, validates, documents, and improves sampling and analytical methods, SOPs, instrument calibrations, and QA/QC processes for the SHAC, SPTIL, and research projects.
• Prepares peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical and sponsor reports, Extension publications, figures, tables, abstracts, posters, presentations, and other scientific deliverables.
• Coordinates assigned projects and major project phases, including work plans, field and laboratory schedules, collaborators, sample logistics, documentation, milestones, and problem resolution.
• Assist with proposal development, outreach activities, Extension programs, field demonstrations, stakeholder communication, and collaborative research with faculty, agencies, and industry partners.
• Train and mentor research staff, technicians, graduate students, undergraduate students, and temporary employees; coordinate project activities and schedules.
• As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). However, this position requires periodic travel to off-campus research and Extension locations, including occasional extended work hours and overnight travel during the field season, as needed to support time-sensitive research, laboratory, and Extension activities.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in soil science, agronomy, crop science, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field is required. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is strongly preferred because of the independent research, method-development, statistical analysis, and publication responsibilities. Three years of progressively responsible experience in soil fertility, soil health, agronomic research, or soil/plant laboratory analysis is required. Experience must include experimental design, field/laboratory methods, statistical analysis, QA/QC, technical writing, and project coordination. Relevant graduate education may substitute for experience; doctoral research may satisfy the experience requirement. A valid driver's license and ability to meet MU vehicle-use requirements are required for travel to research sites. Certified Crop Adviser or a similar credential is preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $53,976.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 010

University Title: SCIENTIST

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Application Materials

MU Application, Resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for references will be required for hire.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.