Research Technician

The Land Institute is seeking a Research Technician for its Soil Ecology program in Salina, KS. The role involves field and lab work, data management, and collaboration with external partners to advance sustainable agricultural practices. Responsibilities include maintaining research plots, processing samples, analyzing data, and training interns. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and experience in agriculture or ecology. This position is not remote.
Research Technician, Soil Ecology
The Land Institute: A Movement for Regenerative Grain Agriculture

The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises.

An independent 501c3 non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature's economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, are developing new perennial grain crops, like Kernza, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature's limits while researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future.
Your Role in Our Mission

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to support our Soil Ecology program. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in advancing our mission to develop sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
Responsibilities
• Field and Lab Work (60%):
• Oversee and maintain research plots through sowing and transplanting, weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, and organizing.
• Sample field plots in accordance with project timelines, including soil, plant biomass, and gasses.
• Process numerous soil and plant biomass samples via drying, grinding, weighing, washing, sieving, threshing, extracting, etc.
• Carry out laboratory procedures such as soil and plant nutrient, carbon, and physical characteristic measurements.
• Periodically assist with research projects in other programs as needed.
• Carefully record, enter, and manage field and laboratory data in notebooks, spreadsheets, and online databases in alignment with specific project guidelines.
• Ensure that equipment and supplies needed for all tasks are available, clean, and in good working order before, during, and after use.
• Communication (10%):
• Maintain relationships and communication with external collaborators; help to coordinate and participate in cross-project field and lab work.
• Research, Data Synthesis, and Writing (12%):
• Analyse results for some projects in collaboration with the lead scientist.
• Plan and carry out individual research in accordance with broader goals of the lab.
• Synthesize and present project results at meetings.
• Research and develop protocols.
• Draft methods and results for research projects.
• Organization, Management, and Training (17%):
• Oversee data entry and storage, ensuring that results are organized and accurately recorded.
• R fine field and lab protocols based on the needs of the Soil Ecology program.
• Provides input on plot layout and creates and maintains field maps.
• Train, direct, and oversee the work of interns and research assistants in the lab for field and lab tasks.
• Outreach (1%):
• Periodically assists with organizational responsibilities, including public tours, prairie festival, and internal educational initiatives.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need:
• A Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g. Biology, chemistry, ecology, agronomy, soil-relevant field).
• Experience working outdoors in extreme conditions.
• Background in agriculture, farming, ecology, or a related field.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Basic math skills and numerical literacy.
• Computer literacy; able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Interest and ability to learn new software such as R, AirTable, and other programs for statistical analysis and lab organization.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications would be beneficial:
• Masters degree related to soil ecology, chemistry, agronomy, environmental science, or agriculture-related field and/or lab work.
• Experience with farm equipment such as mowers, tractors, planters, etc.
• Experience as part of a research lab and conducting an independent research project.
• Familiarity with statistical analyses and programming languages such as R.
Working Conditions

This is a temporary position that will last for one year. Opportunities to continue as permanent staff may be available.

Generally available to work forty hours per week via in-person and digital meetings, primarily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time on weekdays when most of our staff and collaborators are working.

This role is based in Salina, Kansas, and is primarily in person, especially during the field season. Some limited remote work during the off-season is possible. Occasional overnight travel to the Lawrence, Kansas field station and annual conferences or all-hands meetings is required.