Research Assistant

Utah State University•Logan, UT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

A Research Assistant will help the members of the Kulmatiski lab complete research involving a wide array of subjects including soil science, plant community compositions, and root water uptake. Research Assistants may be assigned to focus on different work depending on the needs of the lab. The most consistent work is processing soil samples using simple equipment like hydrometers, scales, sieves, and a soil drying oven. Additionally, the lab will train assistants on using the isotope analysis machine so that assistants can help the lab swap out/run samples. The lab also has an ongoing greenhouse experiment that needs consistent attention - tasks such as watering the plants with set amounts of water, weighing the pots, and recording the data. Finally, the lab also goes on field campaigns where lab members do several days of isotope injections into the ground. This involves camping, hauling equipment, following a very precise procedure, and helping cook/prepare food both before and after the trips. Ideally, assistants will be given a task and a time-frame to complete it in and will independently manage it outside of necessary questions. Additionally, assistants will be required to to read a detailed procedure, ask any necessary questions, then replicate that procedure.

Requirements

Self-motivated.
Flexible time commitment.
Ability to complete tasks in a set time-frame.
Willingness to follow detailed instructions.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in ecology/soil science.
Experience working in a lab doing soils processing.

Responsibilities

Processing soil samples using simple equipment like hydrometers, scales, sieves, and a soil drying oven.
Using the isotope analysis machine to swap out/run samples.
Attending to an ongoing greenhouse experiment, including watering plants with set amounts of water, weighing pots, and recording data.
Participating in field campaigns involving isotope injections into the ground, which includes camping, hauling equipment, following precise procedures, and assisting with food preparation before and after trips.
Independently managing assigned tasks within a given time-frame.
Reading detailed procedures, asking necessary questions, and replicating procedures.