Research Assistant I Jobs

Job location is at 441 Saxony Road, Encinitas, Ca 92024

The CRoPS project aims to develop crops that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change. A major component of this research are field experiments to understand the edaphic or soil factors affecting root traits and root trait-derived soil organic carbon (SOC).

The Field Research Assistant will assist in collecting data in field research operations throughout the United States. This will involve aspects of agronomy, soil science and crop physiology to understand how root traits affect SOC accumulation and stability. The Field Research Assistant will play a key role in organizing, tracking, and processing soil and plant samples from field experiments. Field data collection includes soil coring and root washing, on location, throughout the United States. Sample preparation activities are conducted at Salk facilities and include: milling, grinding, labelling, shipping, and storing soil and plant tissue samples. Sample control activities involve data management and tracking, coordination with collaboration partners and laboratories, and a high skill level of organization and attention to detail. The position will be based in our North San Diego greenhouse/lab location.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1) (60%) Field and Greenhouse Research Operations

• Assist with seed inventory management
• Milling plant tissue samples in preparation for analysis
• Field work, which includes long hours on feet in inclement weather, physical labor and work around heavy machinery
• Grinding soil samples in preparation for analysis
• Labeling, bagging, shipping, and organizing samples for analysis
• Creative input on research design, soil science and agronomy relating to root phenotyping and soil organic carbon cycles.
• Assist in field soil sampling
• Repetitive sample processing in laboratory
• Assist in shoot and root tissue sampling including root washing

2) (30%) Administrative Support

• Cleaning and organizing work, lab, and storage space
• Data input
• Sample tracking on spreadsheet

3) (10%) Compliance to Safety and Environmental Standards

• Ensure field operations are compliant with Federal and California environmental regulations
• Conduct, train and complete experiments with upmost safety protocols and compliance to established SOPs

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• No professional experience required with relevant degree

Preferred:

• Experience in greenhouse or field settings
• Minimum of two years of experience assisting in large, controlled experiments
• Experience in agriculture, plant, soil science, or general biology
• Knowledge of scientific method and controlled experiments

EDUCATION

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in an agricultural, plant/soil science, or biological field. Bachelor's degrees in a different discipline and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role will be considered in lieu.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Knowledge on controlled sampling and data integrity
• Knowledge of laboratory or research setting
• Excel and Microsoft Office
• Knowledge and interest in soil science, agronomy, and carbon cycles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Organized and detail oriented

Preferred:

• Experience participating in large, controlled experiments.

The salary range for this position is $18.03-$21.00 an hour

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Satisfactory completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The incumbent in this position will be constantly adjusting focus, grasping, hearing, keying, seeing, sitting, analyzing, calculating, communicating, reading, reasoning, and writing.