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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, e