Soil Carbon Lab Research Assistant

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

Job summary

Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, MA is hiring a Research Assistant I to join the Soil Carbon team. The role involves lab work from sample processing to analysis on instruments, with occasional field soil sampling.

This entry-level position includes training and growth opportunities in a multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, reliable and capable of lifting up to 40 lbs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Soil Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology or a related field.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry and lab safety practices.
• Ability to follow instructions and take clear notes.
• Experience with MS Excel or Google Sheets for data management.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Basic chemistry

Lab safety

Attention to detail

Notes taking

Data management (Excel/Sheets)

Lift 40 lbs

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Soil Science / Chemistry / Environmental Science / Biology

Job description

Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, MA is hiring a Research Assistant I to join the Soil Carbon team. The role involves lab work from sample processing to analysis on instruments, with occasional field soil sampling.

This entry-level position includes training and growth opportunities in a multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, reliable and capable of lifting up to 40 lbs.