Research Technician

Screen reader users may encounter difficulty with this site. For assistance with applying, please contact hr-accessibleapplication@osu.edu. If you have questions while submitting an application, please review these frequently asked questions.

Current Employees and Students:

If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to Workday to use the internal application process. Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site. We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following: Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required. Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application.

Job Title:

Research Technician Department:

FAES |

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Position Summary:

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Research Field Technician to support a variety of tasks related to field research, laboratory research, Extension/Outreach education, and data management. The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a hands-on approach to problem solving, and the ability to work effectively in both outdoor and laboratory environments. You will assist in field operations, basic laboratory procedures, managing data records, and help ensure the upkeep, accuracy and quality of our field research monitoring infrastructure.

Essential Functions:

Field Responsibilities Assist with the setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of research equipment and tools - such as ISCO samplers, flow meters, soil and water monitoring sensors, data loggers, pumps and heaters etc. Prepare, load, transport, and organize field equipment and supplies as needed Support and/or conduct site surveys, data collection and testing as directed Maintain accurate records of work performed, including field notes and field supplies inventory tracking and procurement of new inventory and associated services Follow all safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment. Perform basic troubleshooting and report issues to the appropriate technician or supervisor Load, transport, and organize field equipment and supplies as needed Laboratory Log, label and track samples to ensure proper chain-of-custody and data integrity Prepare and store water samples for analysis in accordance with established protocols as needed Perform basic soil and water quality analyses under supervision as needed - the current analyses include soil physical properties using laboratory and field methods, dissolved and total nutrient concentrations using Seal Autoanalyzer, elemental analysis using ICP, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) analysis. Assist in maintaining laboratory cleanliness and equipment calibration as needed Data & Inventory Management Create and maintain inventory of research equipment, sensors, and key supplies for field work Enter, verify, and manage environmental data using spreadsheets, databases, or management software Assist with the preparation of technical reports and data summaries Maintain organized records of field and laboratory activities Flag and report data anomalies or quality control issues to senior staff

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent experience with 1 year of relevant experience. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in various weather conditions and terrain Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality work Good communication and teamwork skills Valid drivers license and clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

Undergraduate or graduate degree in fields related to agriculture, soil, water, environment, or engineering Experience with GIS, R, Python, Matlab, and similar advanced software platforms is desirable Experience with data organization, data management, and data analysis is also desirable Basic understanding of hydrology, water quality parameters, meteorology, and environmental monitoring Experience in graphic design, communications, or education is also desirable Technical certifications or coursework in related topics Basic mechanical or technical aptitude - especially in areas of agricultural machinery, construction equipment, electrical systems, and/or electronic systems Prior experience in a hands-on, field-based role - especially in areas of hydrologic monitoring or environmental monitoring is highly desirable

Working Conditions:

Exposure to varying environmental conditions (e.g., heat, cold, freezing weather, standing water, rain, insects, poisonous plants). Laboratory work may involve handling chemicals and working in a controlled environment Frequent road travel to field sites such as agricultural farms, research plots, wetlands, reservoirs, natural ecosystems, and urban infrastructure. May require early morning starts, long days, or occasional weekend work based on project needs.

Additional Information:

Required Application Materials:

A detailed resume highlighting education and work experience relevant to the job & Cover letter summarizing interest and qualifications for the position.

How to apply:

Electronically submit a cover letter & CV via the OSU careers site: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/. Interviewed candidates may be subject to reference check.

Contact:

Position-specific questions should be directed to Dr. Vinayak Shedekar (shedekar.1@osu.edu). This job profile is a Research Technician 2 (T2 level) on the career roadmap. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

Location:

Agricultural Engineering Building (0298)

Position Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process. Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions. The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. At Ohio State, you'll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that's right for you. Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you'll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you're part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America's leading academic health centers. We're a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you. Review the Frequently Asked Questions for details on using Workday and submitting your application.