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This is a grant-funded position with continuation contingent upon availability of funds. The successful candidate will provide professional research assistance in the Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAS) Lab, focusing on crop-livestock systems and environmental impact assessments in forage and grazing systems. The role offers hands-on experience in a dynamic agricultural research environment, with opportunities to lead projects, mentor students, and contribute to high-impact publications and outreach. We foster a highly collaborative Lab culture where team members actively support one another, take ownership of their work, and contribute to collective problem-solving.
Primary Duties
Lead and support the team in conducting experiments and performing data collection in lab and field environments, including serving as the primary point of contact for select projects.
Analyze samples in the lab and manage data quality and organization.
Assist with preparing research findings for presentations, publications, and extension materials (e.g., factsheets, social media, and website content).
Prepare analysis reports and invoices for commercial forage quality and greenhouse gas analyses; track payments and manage associated funds.
Supervise Lab tasks and train student research assistants as needed, fostering a collaborative team dynamic through shared troubleshooting and mutual support.
Other duties and special projects assigned, such as equipment maintenance or ad-hoc fieldwork support.
Essential Duties
Data Collection and Field/Lab Operations: Lead implementation of experimental setups in field and lab settings; collect and process samples (e.g., forage, soils, greenhouse gases); operate specialized equipment like near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and gas chromatography; support, oversee, and train undergraduate students in lab tasks. This includes regular travel to field sites ~100 miles from Columbus (e.g., daily round trips during peak seasons like MayNovember; usually no overnight stays required).
Data Analysis and Communication: Format and analyze data for manuscripts; develop extension materials for information sharing (e.g., factsheets, social media posts, website updates) to disseminate research findings to stakeholders.
Other Duties as Assigned: Lab management, student supervision, supply procurement, or flexible support for emerging project needs, including proactive contributions to team problem-solving.
Required Qualifications
High school Diploma or GED
1 year of relevant experience required (23 years preferred) in crop-livestock management, forage systems, or greenhouse gas assessments
Hands-on experience with sample processing, NIRS, and/or gas chromatography.
Demonstrated ability or strong interest in leading small-scale projects and serving as the primary point of contact for collaborators, including clear communication and problem-solving.
Valid Ohio driver's license and ability to drive.
Flexibility for fieldwork travel: Must be available for ~100-mile round trips to experimental stations (e.g., daily during intensive periods in MayNovember; seasonal intensity varies, with lighter demands in off-season).
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for teamwork in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary lab, with a commitment to collaboration: This includes taking ownership of tasks and mistakes, proactively proposing solutions, and actively supporting colleagues to resolve challenges as a unified team.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Agricultural, Soil, Animal, or Environmental Sciences (or closely related field).
Experience supervising students or junior staff.
Familiarity with data management software (e.g., R, Excel) and agricultural extension outreach.
Background in sustainable agroecosystems, grazing systems or integrated crop-livestock systems.
Application Instructions
To apply, submit a resume, cover letter highlighting relevant experience, travel availability, and examples of collaborative problem-solving, and contact information for three references.
This job profile is a Research Technician 2 (T2 level) on the career roadmap.
The pay range for this profile is $15.86-$20.74/hourly. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications
Location: Kottman Hall (0340) Position Type: Term (Fixed Term) Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First ShiftFinal candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216 , Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.