Research Technician 2

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Job Title:Research Technician 2

Department:FAES | Horticulture and Crop Science

This is a temporary, grant-funded position with continuation contingent upon availability of funds. The Research Technician 2 provides professional research support in the Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAS) Lab, with primary responsibility for laboratory operations supporting forage, grazing-systems, and environmental-impact research. The core of the position is careful, detail-oriented laboratory work: sample organization and labeling, analytical procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, data quality control, and lab management. The role also requires regular participation in physically demanding fieldwork, including livestock handling, sample collection in pastures and plots, and travel to research stations (approximately 100-mile round trips) during peak seasons. The Lab maintains a collaborative culture in which team members take ownership of their work, support one another, and contribute to shared problem-solving.

Primary Duties

Primary Duties
• Organize, label, track, and process laboratory samples (forage, soil, greenhouse-gas, and related matrices) with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.

• Perform and quality-check laboratory analyses, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), gas chromatography, and other established protocols; maintain associated equipment.

• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, sample storage, and data organization; prepare analysis reports and invoices for commercial forage-quality and greenhouse-gas analyses and track associated payments.

• Train and oversee student research assistants on laboratory procedures and safety.

• Support and, as assigned, lead field data collection, including livestock handling, plot and pasture sampling, and operation of field equipment, often under hot or otherwise demanding conditions and during long work daysworkdays.

• Assist with data formatting, preparation of manuscripts, extension materials (factsheets, web/social content), and other project needs.

• Perform other duties as assigned, including equipment maintenance and ad-hoc field support.

Essential Duties

Essential Duties
Laboratory Operations, Analyses, and Quality Control: Lead day-to-day laboratory function. This includes receiving, labeling, organizing, and tracking samples; preparing reagents and following multi-step analytical protocols; operating and maintaining specialized instruments (NIRS, gas chromatography, and related equipment); ensuring data quality and chain-of-custody; managing inventory and procurement; preparing reports and invoices; and training students in lab methods. Work requires sustained attention to detail, patience with repetitive but exacting tasks, and reliable record-keeping.

Field Operations and Sample Collection: Implement and support experimental work at field sites. Duties include handling livestock as required by protocols, collecting forage, soil, and gas samples, assisting with experimental setups, and traveling to stations approximately 100 miles from Columbus (daily round trips common during peak periods, typically May–November; overnight stays usually not required). Field days can be long and physically demanding and often occur in heat, sun, or other inclement weather.

Data Support, Communication, and Other Duties: Format and organize data for manuscripts and reports; contribute to extension and outreach products; supervise students as needed; and provide flexible support for emerging project needs and team problem-solving.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

High School diploma & one year of experience with demonstrated laboratory experience in sample processing, organization/labeling, analytical procedures, and/or operation of instruments such as NIRS or gas chromatography.

Required Qualifications

• Proven attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow and document multi-step protocols accurately over time.

• Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding fieldwork, including livestock handling, work in hot or variable weather, and long days at research sites.

• Valid Ohio driver’s license and ability to drive; availability for ~100-mile round trips to experimental stations during intensive field periods (seasonal intensity is highest May–November).

• Ability to work collaboratively: take ownership of tasks and mistakes, communicate clearly, and support colleagues in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising students or junior staff.

• Familiarity with data-management tools (Excel, R, or similar) and agricultural extension or outreach.

• Background in forage systems, grazing management, integrated crop-livestock systems, or greenhouse-gas measurements.

• Prior experience balancing laboratory precision work with field/livestock duties.

Application Instructions

Submit a CV, a cover letter that addresses both laboratory experience (organization, labeling, analyses, equipment) and readiness for fieldwork (travel, physical demands, animal handling). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural, Soil, Animal, or Environmental Sciences (or closely related field).and 2-3 years of relevant experience with demonstrated laboratory experience in sample processing, organization/labeling, analytical procedures, and/or operation of instruments such as NIRS or gas chromatography.
• 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.

Additional Information:

This job profile is a Research Technician 2 (T2 level) on the career roadmap.

The offer for this position will fall within the positions pay range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications

Location:Kottman Hall (0340)

Position Type:Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:40

Shift:First Shift

Final 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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