Scope

The Research Technician will provide hands-on support across greenhouse operations, laboratory work, and field deployments for the biochar and soil amendment research program in the Interfacial Lab.

Responsibilities

1. Greenhouse and growth chamber operations:

Set up and maintain pot trials and plant growth experiments in the greenhouse and growth chamber facilities.

Prepare soil substrates with biochar amendments (CarboSoil, SandX, superhydrophobic sand) according to experimental protocols.

Monitor plant health, growth conditions, and productivity metrics (biomass, chlorophyll content, gas exchange).

Manage irrigation systems, nutrient delivery, and environmental controls. Document experimental conditions and maintain detailed records of all treatments and observations.

2. Laboratory support:

Conduct soil and plant sample analysis for nutrient and elemental composition. Measure and interpret soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and perform soil characterization including water retention analysis.

Prepare samples for characterization (pH, EC, and elemental analysis) in coordination with the Research Specialist.

Support ion exchange column studies and nutrient leaching experiments.

Manage laboratory inventory, procurement of consumables, and maintain safety compliance.

3. Field trials and deployment support:

Support field trials in multiple deployment sites for Engineered Biochar.

Assist with soil preparation, planting, irrigation setup, and field sampling campaigns.

Collect field data including plant phenotyping, soil sampling, and environmental monitoring.

Coordinate logistics for field operations including sample transport and chain-of-custody documentation.

Contribute to demonstration plot establishment and maintenance for stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, or closely related discipline.

Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in agricultural research support.