Seasonal Research Assistants

The Land Institute • Salina, KS

11h • $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 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, 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.

Annual Seasonal Positions:
General Research Assistant | Harvest Season: September-December 2026
General Research Assistant | Winter Season: January-April 2027
One Full Time Crop Protection Genetics Research Assistant | up to one year, some flexibility in start dates
One Full Time Perennial Wheat Research Assistant | July 6 or July 20 - October 31, 2026 & March-May 2027
One Full Time Soil Ecology Research Assistant 5-11 months | July 20/August 2026 - ending by June 2027

Positions Summary
We seek individuals with full-time availability to serve as Research Assistants. This role involves participating in seasonal research activities across all TLI programs, including planting, harvesting, weeding, threshing, plant tissue collection, data entry, lab maintenance, and greenhouse work. Assistants work primarily eight hour days, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour lunch break, scheduled weekly by research programs as needed. Some individuals may be assigned to a certain lab or task as a program specific research assistant. The position provides diverse hands-on experience while requiring flexibility to perform manual, repetitive tasks both indoors and outdoors for extended periods.

Requirements

• At the start of the position, you must be at least 16 years of age
• Interest in agriculture, ecology, plants, 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 schedule to meet the demands of the organization

Nice To Haves

• Experience with soil, plants, 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

• 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 training, field trips, and in-person and virtual meetings.
• 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 other TLI employees

Benefits

• Shared staff housing is provided at no cost for the temporary duration of employment (when available)
• Paid sick time hours
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed