Research Assistant - Soil Ecology
Who We Are + What We Do
The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature's economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, is developing new perennial grain crops, like Kernza©, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature's limits while researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future.
Open Positions
One Soil Ecology Research Assistant to work temporarily full-time, for a 5 to 11-month position starting as early as August 2026 and ending by June 2027.
Positions Summary
Soil Ecology: We are looking for a creative, collaborative full-time research assistant for the soil ecology program. This program-specific Research Assistant will work with the Soil Ecology program to perform field and lab work related to our research. Tasks will include things such as washing soil from roots, sieving soil, threshing grains, labeling and organizing samples, weeding, supporting harvest of late-season crops, checking on greenhouse experiments, processing plant material, and performing soil analyses. The ideal candidate will bring an interest in soils, agricultural sustainability, and a relevant background in physical or biological sciences.
Primary Responsibilities + Expectations:
- Help researchers conduct field and lab work, which may sometimes involve repetitive tasks or sitting/standing for long periods of time, as well as working in extreme heat.
- Follow field and lab safety procedures and voice any safety concerns when warranted
- Participate in educational events such as research seminars, group trainings, and field trips, including in-person and virtual meetings.
- Meet regularly with mentors and engage in discussions and reflections.
- Participate in fieldwork with other staff, post-bacs, and trainees to gain experience working with multiple perennial grain crops.
- Ask questions, share interests, and engage with the soil ecology team or the research support team
Who You Are:
- At the start of the position, you must be at least 16 years of age
- Interest in agriculture, ecology, and soils
- Intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning
- Good communication skills, both written and oral
- Basic math skills and numerical literacy
- Computer literacy: able to use word processing and spreadsheet applications
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where some guidance and standardization exist
- Ability to follow instructions, including written safety warnings
- Legible handwriting and accurate labeling are required skills
- Ability and willingness to provide and/or diligently use provided personal health and protective equipment or supplies, including drinking water, sunscreen, shade hat, insect repellent, and shoes and clothing appropriate for field work
- Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality
- Ability to develop, maintain, and honor relationships with diverse groups of people and partners
- Ability to work well with others throughout the organization to build positive teamwork
- Prioritize and plan work activities; use time effectively
- Consistently at work and on time; punctual; ensure that work responsibilities are covered when absent
- Follow policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time; support organizational goals and values
- Willing to adjust the schedule to meet the demands of the organization
Qualifications that could help you succeed:
- Experience with soil, chemistry, or an agriculture-related field, and lab work
- Experience as part of a research lab or conducting an independent project
- Familiarity with spreadsheets, data entry, and repetitive data collection tasks
Hours
Workdays generally run Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but may occasionally need to be adjusted to accommodate weather and/or field tasks, particularly in the summer.
Location + Travel
This role is based at the Land Institute’s main campus in Salina, KS. Occasional travel to conferences and to visit or assist other collaborators may be necessary. You must be able to provide your own transportation to 2440 E Water Well Rd each day, and you must be willing to carpool in company vehicles to field sites and comply with seatbelt laws.
Environmental + Working Conditions
This work also involves many repetitive physical tasks both in and outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions. Kansas weather is highly variable and can be uncomfortable for months at a time, especially with high humidity and temperatures coupled with limited access to shade or air conditioning. While we are mindful and intentional about our exposure to these conditions, they can be challenging and require good body awareness and proactive measures to protect oneself from dehydration and over-exposure to the sun. You must be prepared to take these measures and have the endurance to work in a challenging physical environment. We feel that the best of human company makes this work rewarding and even fun despite the degrees, but that does not make it easy.
- Prolonged periods of working outdoors in adverse conditions, including temperatures in excess of 95֯F
- Work in exposed field and laboratory research settings.
- Work in a general office environment.
- Demonstrate sustained physical fitness and the ability to lift 60 pounds safely and without assistance
Compensation + Benefits:
The compensation range is $14-18 per hour, dependent on experience, with limited benefits, including the following:
Housing: When available, shared staff housing is provided at no cost for the temporary duration of employment
Paid sick time hours
Monthly cell phone stipend
Paid holidays
To Apply: Interested applicants can apply for Soil Ecology positions for the harvest, winter, and spring research seasons.
Submit a resume along with a letter of interest that addresses the following questions:
- Please indicate your dates/times of availability
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What are some things you would like to gain from this position?
- What experience might help you be successful in this role?
Timeline: Hiring ASAP, Open Until Filled
The Land Institute is an equal opportunity employer and embraces the opportunity to provide employment to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
