Location: West Lafayette,IN, USA
Req Id: 34510
Job Title: Senior Soils Research Technician - Colca Valley Project
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Dr. Hoagland's lab (the Soil Microbial Ecology Lab) in the Department of Horticultural and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University conducts research aimed at developing more sustainable local food production systems. To achieve this goal, the Hoagland Lab investigates strategies to promote beneficial plant-soil-microbial relationships that improve nutrient-use efficiency, suppress diseases, and prevent the uptake of toxic heavy metals into edible produce.
The lab is currently looking for a research technician to assist with a project in the Colca River Valley of Peru, aimed at helping local farmers transition to organic farming systems. This includes on-farm research trials investigating different soil amendments, greenhouse/lab trials investigating different compost formulations, and developing compost test kits and extension guides for farmers.
This is a limited duration (18 months) appointment that may be extended depending upon funding and performance.
What You'll Be Doing:
* Drying, sieving and weighing out soils collected from field trials
* Conducting laboratory assays to quantify soil physical, chemical and biological properties and plant health responses on soils and plants from field and greenhouse trials
* Recording and analyzing data and compiling results for publications
* Assisting PI, students, technical and research staff with the design of greenhouse/lab trials; carrying out greenhouse trials with different compost formulations
* Assisting graduate students with isolation and characterization of root endophyte communities; assist graduate students with digestion of plant samples for elemental analysis
* Assisting PI with the development of extension guides by reading and summarizing literature
* Organizing meetings with U.S. and Peruvian colleagues and plan and organize supplies for visits to field sites in Peru
* Helping to keep the laboratory space organized and clean; ensures compliance with applicable safety protocols
What We're Looking For:
* Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field
* 2 years of experience working in a laboratory setting conducting assays
* Basic data and statistical analysis
* Oral and written communication
* Problem-solving
Nice to Have:
* Master's degree in one of these fields, especially Soil Science
* Spanish fluency
What We'd Like You to Know:
* Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
* A background check is required for employment in this position
* This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing.
* FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
* Retirement: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
* Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply
Apply now
Posting Start Date: 11/14/24