About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
Lead lab work, data analysis, and summer field campaigns (with support). Significant experience in the field and the lab are essential. Summer field technicians will be available to assist with fieldwork, and undergraduate research assistants will assist with sample preparation under your guidance.
Essential Functions
- Help create and adapt study design.
- Coordinate and supervise fieldwork.
- Coordinate and supervise lab analyses.
- Analyze and publish results.
- Stable isotope geochemistry.
- Soil carbon accounting.
- Supervising undergraduate researchers.
- Knowledge of Northeast US soils, geology, and forest dynamics.
- Presenting research to Mass DCR.
Other Functions
- Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
- Work in partnership with colleagues within the disciplinary community to advance scientific research.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- PhD in soil science, forestry, geology or related field.
- Publication record that shows productivity in delivering science products.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Designing and executing safe fieldwork campaigns focused on soil sample collections.
- Soil sample processing and sample preparation.
- Biogeochemical lab work and sample analysis (i.e. soil C and N pools and fluxes)
- Statistical analysis, including large datasets with multiple independent variables (forest attributes, surficial geology, geomorphology, etc).
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Fieldwork in all seasons.
- Standing in the lab and operating instruments.
- Carrying up to 30 pounds in the forest.
Work Schedule
M-F, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Salary Information
$67,000 annual salary
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume.
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan).
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.