About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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About the Role

Join Confidential Client’s Soil Carbon team as a Research Assistant. You will support a multidisciplinary research group (PIs, scientists, postdocs, and other research staff) by performing laboratory sample processing and routine analyses, with occasional field work to collect soil samples. This is an entry-level laboratory role; training will be provided. The successful candidate is reliable, self-motivated, and committed to accurate lab work and data management.

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Key Responsibilities

• Work across a range of agroecosystems; projects include regenerative agriculture, cover-crop adoption, and grazing-management systems
• Collect soil samples in the field as needed
• Process, inventory, and catalog new soil samples
• Prepare samples (drying, grinding, extraction) for analysis
• Perform routine soil laboratory tests, including (but not limited to): pH, calcium carbonate equivalents, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, elemental analysis for carbon and nitrogen, particle size (texture) analysis, colorimetric nutrient assays, microbial respiration, and enzymatic activity
• Follow lab safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment
• Collate, manage, and report data using standard tools (e.g., MS Excel / Google Sheets)
• Take clear notes and maintain accurate sample records

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Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic chemistry knowledge
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols
• Clear, organized note-taking skills
• Basic data management skills (MS Excel or Google Sheets)
• Good time management and reliability
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Willingness to learn and take ownership of assigned tasks
• Experience with standard lab instrumentation is a plus

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Qualifications & Logistics

• Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field preferred — or relevant work experience in lieu of a degree
• Employment type: Full-time (also posted as contractor/full-time)
• Fixed-term: 2 years, with potential for extension
• Application review begins: October 1, 2026 (ongoing thereafter)
• Desired start date: November 2026
• Location: Falmouth, MA (primary workplace based on the client’s campus)
• Classification & compensation: Full-time, salaried, exempt. Starting annual salary: $54,000 (Falmouth, MA-based). Compensation for remote or out-of-state candidates may vary based on geographic differentials. Benefits and work-life-balance information available from Confidential Client.

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Commitment to Inclusion

Confidential Client is committed to equal opportunity in hiring and to providing reasonable accommodations in the application process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.
To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.