Research Associate III, Step 1 - Data Analyst & Soil Lab Manager

Ag Jobs is seeking a Research Associate III, Data Analyst & Soil Lab Manager in Alabama. This full-time role involves 70% data analysis of environmental datasets and 30% soil lab management. Responsibilities include analyzing hydrologic and meteorological data, developing data pipelines, conducting soil tests, and managing lab operations. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and experience in data analysis and environmental monitoring. A master's degree is preferred.
Research Associate III, Step 1 - Data Analyst & Soil Lab Manager




Job no: 503689


Department: Earth System Science Center


Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt


Location: Alabama


Categories: Research - Environmental




Purpose of the Position:

The Earth System Science Center (ESSC) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) seeks a Data Analyst & Soil Laboratory Manager to support environmental data analysis and soil laboratory operations within the Critical Zone Hydrology (CZHydro) Research Group. This position combines environmental data analysis (70%) with soil laboratory analysis and management (30%).

The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on land-water interactions, soil moisture dynamics, watershed processes, and environmental monitoring across Alabama and the southeastern United States. The position integrates quantitative data science workflows with hands-on laboratory soil characterization to support applied Earth system science research.



Duties / Responsibilities:



Environmental Data Analysis

• Analyze and preprocess environmental datasets, including hydrologic, meteorological, and geospatial data relevant to land-water systems (e.g., precipitation, streamflow, soil moisture).

• Develop automated data pipelines and reproducible analytical workflows using programming tools such as Python or R.

• Apply GIS and geospatial analysis techniques for watershed characterization, terrain analysis, and landscape-scale environmental assessments.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to ensure data quality, transparency, and reproducibility of analytical methods.

• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, figures, and presentations to communicate research findings.



Soil Laboratory Analysis & Management

• Conduct soil texture classification and soil water retention curve analysis following established laboratory procedures, maintain standard QC protocols in soil testing and laboratory data collection.

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration, and safety compliance.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, and manage laboratory supplies and inventory.

• Train and supervise students in soil analysis techniques, proper documentation, and laboratory safety practices.




Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Earth System Science, Atmospheric Science, or a closely related field.

• 2 to 4 years full-time work experience.

• Experience working with environmental monitoring datasets (e.g., precipitation, soil moisture, climate, streamflow).

• Strong proficiency in data analysis and scientific workflows

• Experience with scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, or similar).

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to work with large environmental datasets (e.g., NetCDF, GeoTIFF).

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.




Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree (MS) in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Earth System Science, or related field is preferred.

• Experience conducting soil texture analysis and soil water retention curve analysis is desired.

• Experience working in Linux/HPC environments is desired.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills are desired.




Published Salary (if available):

$52,216 - $64,985




Advertised: Apr 29 2026 Central Daylight Time


Applications close:



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