Research Assistant

Join to apply for the Research Assistant role at The Land Institute

We seek individuals with full-time availability to serve as Research Assistants. This role involves participating in seasonal research activities across all TLI programs, including planting, harvesting, weeding, threshing, plant tissue collection, data entry, lab maintenance, and greenhouse work. Assistants work primarily eight hour days, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour lunch break, scheduled weekly by research programs as needed.

Some individuals may be assigned to a specific lab or task as a program-specific research assistant. The position provides diverse hands‑on experience while requiring flexibility to perform manual, repetitive tasks both indoors and outdoors for extended periods.

• Help researchers conduct field and lab work, including repetitive tasks or standing for long periods and 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 training, field trips, and in‑person and virtual meetings.
• Work with other staff, post‑bacs, and trainees to gain experience working with multiple perennial grain crops.
• Ask questions, share interests, and engage with other TLI employees.

• At least 16 years of age at the start of the position.
• Interest in agriculture, ecology, plants, and soils.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Basic math skills and numerical literacy.
• Computer literacy: word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to solve practical problems and work with variables in guided situations.
• Ability to follow instructions, including written safety warnings.
• Legible handwriting and accurate labeling required.
• Willingness to use provided personal health and protective equipment or supplies.
• Accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Build relationships with diverse groups, partners, and collaborate teamwork.
• Prioritize and plan work activities; use time effectively and be punctual.
• Follow policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
• Willing to adjust schedule to meet organizational demands.

• Experience with soil, plants, 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.

Work days generally run from Monday to 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.

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 provide your own transportation to 2440 E Water Well Rd each day and be willing to carpool in company vehicles to field sites and comply with seatbelt laws.

• Prolonged periods of working outdoors in adverse conditions, including temperatures exceeding 95°F.
• Work in exposed field and laboratory research settings.
• Work in a general office environment.
• Demonstrate sustained physical fitness and the ability to lift 60 pounds safely.

The compensation range is $14‑18 per hour, dependent on experience, with limited benefits including:

• Housing: shared staff housing at no cost for the temporary duration of employment.
• Paid sick time hours.
• Monthly cell phone stipend.
• Paid holidays.

Interested applicants should submit a resume along with a letter of interest that addresses the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this position?
• What would you like to gain from this position?
• What experience might help you be successful in this role?

Include dates/times of availability in relation to the Summer, Harvest, or Winter seasons.

Application review begins from February 2026. The posting will remain open until all slots are filled.

The Land Institute is an equal opportunity employer and embraces the opportunity to provide employment to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.