R2026101802 Soil Science Research Assistant

Position Summary:

Undergraduate research assistant supporting active research projects in the Soil Innovation Lab (SoIL) at Colorado State University. Work focuses on soil spectroscopy, carbon dynamics, and soil health — connecting lab science to real-world questions about climate, agriculture, and land management. This is a hands-on position involving soil processing techniques, spectroscopic methods, and careful laboratory work. Current projects include processing soil archives, developing and performing physical soil organic matter fractionation methods, and soil spectral analysis. You may rotate across projects depending on lab needs and your interests.

Department Name

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

Anticipated Start Date:

Upon hire
 

Anticipated Weekly Hours:

20 hours/week, flexible scheduling M-F

Required Job Qualifications:

Currently enrolled undergraduate student at Colorado State University

Ability to follow protocols carefully and ask questions when uncertain

Reliability — consistent attendance and clear communication when schedule changes arise

Comfort working independently once trained

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Coursework or interest in soil science, ecology, environmental science, or related fields

Previous laboratory experience (not required)

Interest in research as a career path or learning experience

Essential Duties:

Process soil samples: sieving, grinding, weighing, subsampling

Prepare samples for spectroscopic and chemical analysis

Maintain clear, organized records and sample tracking

Help keep the lab clean, safe, and functional

Support other tasks as projects evolve

Application Instructions:

Submit a resume and brief cover letter through Workday. In your cover letter, tell us why you're interested and what you hope to get out of the experience. Open until filled.