Researcher 1: Soil Science

A Research Professional 1-Soil Science position is available to support the Soil and Ecosystem Ecology for Climate Resilient Systems (SEECRS) laboratory in the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water, and Climate. PI: Jessica Gutknecht

Location: UMN Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, Borlaug Hall, Saint Paul, MN.

Duties/Responsibilities
The selected candidate will provide scientific and technical support for soil ecology research within the Department of Soil, Water and Climate. Percentages below are based on an approximate 1.0 FTE (approximately 40 hrs per week) position. Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is in the range of $24.97 - $25.97 per hour. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Staff support (10%).

• The Researcher 1 will assist in supporting lab personnel to conduct field work and laboratory analysis. This work includes supporting and assisting graduate and undergraduate research assistants, including instruction of currently used approaches and techniques to soil ecological analysis and supporting their analysis needs.
  
  

General Research (90%).

• Responsibilities will include organization and implementation of complex multistep procedures that require laboratory analysis of microbes associated with nutrient cycling in soils. Laboratory related work includes analyses for microbial diversity, biomass and community structure, isotopic analysis, microbial activity, extractable ammonium and nitrate, soil structure though aggregate stability analysis, and/or various other soil health metrics. Field related work includes collecting environmental data such as soil samples (including the use of a truck-mounted hydraulic soil probe), soil greenhouse gas flux data (with use of a portable FTIR machine), soil moisture data, soil moisture samples from manual or automated machines, plant samples, and water samples from lysimeters. The Researcher is expected to enter and organize data into a comprehensive database using tools such as excel and Google docs/sheets. Possibly, work will include data curation and organizing work, including analysis of resulting experimental data to test stated hypotheses and interpret the results.
  
  

Required

• BS/BA or equivalent combination of education and work experience to equal four (4) years; position involves comparing, verifying and reconciling data to achieve overall objectives in a timely manner.
• Valid driver's license or ability to travel to and from field locations.
• Good communication skills, including verbal communication and mentoring; written communication to articulate information and project results, and lab organization.

Preferred

• Data, laboratory, or inventory management.
• Experience supporting persons of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Experience applying a racial equity and social justice lens to create an inclusive environment and practices.

The SEECRS lab explores how soil microbial community dynamics can inform our understanding of ecosystem functions such as carbon cycling and sustainability under global change and other human influences. We seek someone to oversee the execution of laboratory and field work designed to understand how the soil resource and soil biota relate to ecosystem sustainability and resiliency. Research in the SEECRS laboratory is wide spanning, with an emphasis on soil health, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, soil carbon dynamics, water infiltration, and/or other soil processes. We believe that our work is made more creative, novel, and impactful through having a diverse team and strong, joyful community. The Gutknecht Lab is committed to providing opportunities for students of color and other underrepresented individuals in science to become future leaders in the field. We are a proud equal opportunity employer. The SEECRS lab explores how soil microbial community dynamics can inform our understanding of ecosystem functions such as carbon cycling and sustainability under global change and other human influences. We seek someone to oversee the execution of laboratory and field work designed to understand how the soil resource and soil biota relate to ecosystem sustainability and resiliency. Research in the SEECRS laboratory is wide spanning, with an emphasis on soil health, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, soil carbon dynamics, water infiltration, and/or other soil processes. We believe that our work is made more creative, novel, and impactful through having a diverse team and strong, joyful community. The Gutknecht Lab is committed to providing opportunities for students of color and other underrepresented individuals in science to become future leaders in the field. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.

Pay Range: $24.97 - $25.97 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter, resume and three professional references.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Contact Person/Email/Phone for information or questions:
Jessica Gutknecht, Associate Professor
Department of Soil, Water, and Climate
jgut@umn.edu, 612 626 8435 (phone not checked regularly; e-mail preferable)

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).