Research Assistant I, Laboratory Of Plant Biology, Dr. Wolfgang Busch

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

• (10%) Compliance to Safety and Environmental Standards
• Repetitive sample processing in laboratory
• Cleaning and organizing work, lab, and storage space
• Field work, which includes long hours on feet in inclement weather, physical labor and work around heavy machinery
• Assist with seed inventory management
• (30%) Administrative Support
• Ensure field operations are compliant with Federal and California environmental regulations
• Data input
• Grinding soil samples in preparation for analysis
• (60%) Field and Greenhouse Research Operations
• Milling plant tissue samples in preparation for analysis
• Sample tracking on spreadsheet
• Conduct, train and complete experiments with upmost safety protocols and compliance to established SOPs
• 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 shoot and root tissue sampling including root washing
• Assist in field soil sampling

Experience
Required:

• No professional experience required with relevant degree

Preferred

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

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.

Required
SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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

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

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.