Research Lead Technician

Job Title: Research Lead Technician

Department: FAES | Horticulture and Crop Science

• Establish and conduct field, lab/growth chamber, and greenhouse research trials.
• Collect data in trials using traditional plant sampling methods and modern instrumentation and digital technologies.
• Oversee sample processing and data entry.
• Install sensors and download data for analysis.
• Assist with data management, analysis, and presentation of findings in scholarly journals and professional meetings.
• Assist with grant writing and identification of funding opportunities.
• Plan trials to evaluate weed species and community response to integrated and precision weed management practices under variable environmental conditions.
• Train undergraduate and graduate students in field and lab procedures and oversee daily laboratory, greenhouse, and field activities, including equipment and supplies management.
• Assist in developing extension materials for publication as appropriate.
• Contribute to grant ideation, protocol development, and treatment design to test research hypotheses.
• Allocate approximately 50% of time to basic and applied weed science research and extension activities and 50% to laboratory administration and personnel management.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience; 5 years of relevant experience.
• Associate’s Degree; 3 years of relevant experience.
• High School diploma or GED; 1 year of relevant experience.
• Experience thriving in a fast-paced, highly collaborative work environment.
• Experience conducting field and/or greenhouse research projects.
• Excellent organizational and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated ability in oral and written science communication.

Desired education and experience: BS with 3 years of research experience, or an MS, with combined education/experience in Weed Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Ecology, Agricultural Engineering, or Environmental Science.

Experience with R or Python programming for data management and analysis, including multivariate and spatial statistics, image analysis, and machine learning.

Experience in grant proposal development, post-award management, and supervision/mentoring of graduate or undergraduate students in a research environment.

This position is a Research Technician 4 (T4) on the career roadmap. The offer will fall within the position’s pay range based on internal equity, unit budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Kottman Hall (0340), Ohio State University

Regular 40-hour work week with varying shifts.

Final candidates must successfully complete a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post-offer process.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with significant employer contribution.
• Paid time off, including sick, vacation, and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or alternate retirement plan with generous employer contributions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.