RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

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Job ID

60666

Location

Columbia

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

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Hiring Department

Soil Health Assessment Center

Job Description

The Soil Health Assessment Center (SHAC) is seeking two highly motivated Research Specialist I positions to support expanding laboratory operations. These positions will assist with the processing and analysis of thousands of soil samples and contribute to the generation of high-quality soil health data used in research, conservation, and agricultural management efforts.

The successful candidates will perform a variety of laboratory procedures to evaluate soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, maintain laboratory quality standards, operate analytical instrumentation, and support general laboratory operations in a fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare soil samples for analysis through drying, grinding, sieving, and sample organization while maintaining accurate sample tracking and documentation.

Perform laboratory analyses of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, including but not limited to: soil pH, neutralizable acidity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable aluminum (Al), calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), soil texture, total organic carbon (TOC), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), autoclaved citrate-extractable (ACE) protein, potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), soil respiration, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, soil enzyme activities, wet aggregate stability, and other soil health indicators as assigned.

• Follow established laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures, including preparation of reagents, standards, calibration solutions, and quality control samples.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including balances, spectrophotometers, pH meters, centrifuges, shakers, incubators, autoclaves, combustion analyzers, infrared spectrometers, texture analyzers, and other analytical equipment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and assist with data management, instrument maintenance, laboratory safety, and general laboratory operations.
• As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.

Shift

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Chemistry, biology, or a closely related field. Experience working in scientific labs, including analyzing samples for soil chemical and biological properties preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $17.40 - $20.19 hourly.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: Salary Plan # 007

University Title: RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

MU Application, Resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for references will be required for hire.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.