Junior Specialist - Parikh Lab

The Parikh Soil Chemistry Laboratory seeks a Junior Specialist to support a research project examining soil and water quality and carbon cycling in field systems. The Junior Specialist will participate in field sampling, laboratory analysis of soil and water samples, data management and analysis, and preparation of figures, tables, reports, and other research products.

The position will involve a combination of fieldwork, laboratory measurements, and computer-based data analysis. Field activities will require travel from UC Davis to research sites and may include overnight and multi-day trips.

The Junior Specialist will:

Participate in field collection of soil and water samples and associated field measurements.

Travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day sampling trips as required by the project.

Assist with preparation and transport of field equipment and supplies.

Prepare, process, preserve, and organize soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.

Conduct chemical and physical analyses of soil and water samples using established laboratory methods and instrumentation.

Prepare standards, reagents, calibration curves, and quality-control samples and maintain detailed laboratory records.

Organize and maintain field and laboratory datasets and perform quality-control checks on collected data.

Perform calculations and quantitative analyses of experimental data.

Use Excel and other statistical or graphical software to analyze data and prepare scientific graphs, figures, and tables.

Participate in interpretation of soil and water chemistry data in relation to project objectives.

Conduct literature searches related to analytical methods and interpretation of research results.

Assist with preparation of research reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.

The Junior Specialist will participate in laboratory meetings and research discussions, maintain familiarity with relevant scientific literature and analytical methods, and may assist in presenting research results at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, or scientific meetings.

The Junior Specialist will participate in appropriate laboratory and departmental service activities, which may include laboratory organization and safety activities, assisting with training of undergraduate researchers or new laboratory members in established methods, and participating in project-related outreach activities

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program

Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, Hydrology, Agricultural Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of application.