Technical Aide

MSU - Michigan State University; Michigan; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s Blesh Soil & Agroecosystems Lab is seeking two full-time summer research technicians from May through August to support field experiments and lab analyses. You will help set up plots, collect soil, plant, and greenhouse gas samples, and assist with soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization measurements and soil organic matter fractionation, with extension possible.

The positions require endurance for outdoor fieldwork and attention to detail for data quality, with

Qualifications

• Fieldwork may involve long days in varying weather conditions; endurance and a positive attitude required.
• Efficient, detail oriented, and able to remain focused on repetitive tasks to maintain research quality.

Responsibilities

• Set up experimental plots and collect/process soil, plant, and greenhouse gas samples.
• Provide laboratory support by assisting with soil analyses including carbon and nitrogen mineralization and soil organic matter fractionation.
• Support multiple projects examining diversified systems and their effects on soil health and emissions.

Skills

Endurance

Detail-oriented

Repetitive tasks

Job description

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support. Responsibilities may include computer programming or operations; research support; medical patient care; technical equipment maintenance, repair, fabrication or operation; or other technical support functions.

Unit Position Summary

The Blesh Soil & Agroecosystems Lab at KBS advances knowledge of ecological approaches to nutrient management that build soil health and conserve nutrients in agricultural ecosystems. This summer we are seeking research assistants to support multiple projects assessing diversified systems that can build soil carbon and reduce emissions from agriculture. The projects focus on adaptive multi-paddock grazing of cover crops, the use of urine-derived fertilizer in diversified grain rotations, and on links between regenerative practices, soil health, and water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
We seek two full time (40 hours/week) summer research technicians to support these projects. Working with the Blesh Lab team, the technicians will help set up experimental plots and collect and process soil, plant, and greenhouse gas samples throughout the summer season. The technicians will provide key laboratory support by assisting with a variety of soil analyses including measures of carbon and nitrogen mineralization and soil organic matter fractionation. These are full-time positions for May through August with the possibility of extension.

Desired Qualifications

While prior ecological research experience is not necessary, fieldwork often requires long days in varying weather conditions, and applicants must possess endurance, stamina, and a positive attitude. The successful candidate will be efficient and detail oriented, and able to remain focused on repetitive tasks in order to maintain research quality.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

KBS.MSU.EDU

Summary of Health Risks

Fieldwork occurs outside in a variety of weather conditions.