Research Specialist - Soil Science

Position Summary:

Lincoln University of Missouri Jefferson City, MO is seeking highly motivated and creative individuals to apply for the Research Specialist position in Plant and Soil science. This individual will work in environments including but not limited to the office, laboratory, farms, greenhouse, and high tunnel. Duties will include training and mentoring students and staff and interacting with community members and coordinating activities pertaining to grant-funded projects. This position requires the applicant to have a valid driver's license.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, manage, and conduct field experiments and other activities for the maintenance of the experiments.
• Be able to operate small farm machinery.
• Keep detailed and orderly notes on all project work.
• Ensure all safety guidelines are followed in the laboratory and field.
• Collect soil and plant samples and prepare for laboratory analyses.
• Collect, analyze, and prepare data for reports and presentations.
• Organize and lead extension events and field days.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, order project supplies, and assist in managing budgets.
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students during project work activities.
• Engage with community members, students, farmers, and fellow researchers to build new working relationships.
• Collaborate with fellow LU employees, outside researchers, and community stakeholders to achieve research objectives.
• Assist the faculty supervisors to write grant proposals, project budgets, and reports to secure additional external funding.
• Assist the faculty supervisor to prepare and publish peer-reviewed research articles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to develop a work schedule and plan for self, team, and others assigned to projects.
• Respond to research-related queries and troubleshooting research problems in a timely fashion.
• Propose new techniques to improve quality and productivity.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and other programs to coordinate and facilitate project activities.
• Must be able to work some weekends and extended hours if necessary.
• Willing to travel to off-campus research facilities, participate in conferences, and visit partnering institutions.
• Must have effective communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work in a team-oriented environment with a diverse group.
• Have knowledge of field, greenhouse, and laboratory management and operations.

Education and Experience

• At a minimum, a master's degree in agriculture or a closely related field.
• Experience with project management and facilitation.
• Experience leading small teams is preferred.
• General Mechanical knowledge is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lifr and move up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work in cold and hot environmental conditions.

Current Openings for Research Specialist Soil Science Jobs at Lincoln University of Missouri