Research Assistant - Soil Ecology

The Land Institute•Salina, KS

9d•$14 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

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 501 (c) (3) 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, is 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. This is a temporary, full-time position for a 5 to 11-month duration, starting as early as August 2026 and ending by June 2027.

Requirements

At the start of the position, you must be at least 16 years of age.
Interest in agriculture, ecology, and soils.
Intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning.
Good communication skills, both written and oral.
Basic math skills and numerical literacy.
Computer literacy: able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where some guidance and standardization exist.
Ability to follow instructions, including written safety warnings.
Legible handwriting and accurate labeling are required skills.
Ability and willingness to provide and/or diligently use provided personal health and protective equipment or supplies, including drinking water, sunscreen, shade hat, insect repellent, and shoes and clothing appropriate for field work.
Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality.
Ability to develop, maintain, and honor relationships with diverse groups of people and partners.
Ability to work well with others throughout the organization to build positive teamwork.
Prioritize and plan work activities; use time effectively.
Consistently at work and on time; punctual; ensure that work responsibilities are covered when absent.
Follow policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time; support organizational goals and values.
Willing to adjust the schedule to meet the demands of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Experience with soil, chemistry, or an agriculture-related field, and lab work.
Experience as part of a research lab or conducting an independent project.
Familiarity with spreadsheets, data entry, and repetitive data collection tasks.

Responsibilities

Perform field and lab work related to soil ecology research.
Wash soil from roots.
Sieve soil.
Thresh grains.
Label and organize samples.
Weed.
Support harvest of late-season crops.
Check on greenhouse experiments.
Process plant material.
Perform soil analyses.
Help researchers conduct field and lab work, which may sometimes involve repetitive tasks or sitting/standing for long periods of time, as well as working in extreme heat.
Follow field and lab safety procedures and voice any safety concerns when warranted.
Participate in educational events such as research seminars, group trainings, and field trips, including in-person and virtual meetings.
Meet regularly with mentors and engage in discussions and reflections.
Participate in fieldwork with other staff, post-bacs, and trainees to gain experience working with multiple perennial grain crops.
Ask questions, share interests, and engage with the soil ecology team or the research support team.