Soil Science Lab Helper
Apply now(opens in a new window) Job No: 511547 Division/Organization: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Department: Soil Science Job Type: UW Student Jobs Remote Eligbility: Not Remote Location: Hiram Smith AnnexSalary/Wage Range or Lump Sum: $15.00 Job Categories: Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Agriculture and Natural Resources, STEM
Department Overview:
Dr. Thea Whitman’s soil biogeochemistry and soil microbial ecology research lab seeks interested individuals to participate in an ongoing research project. This project is investigating forest recovery trajectory 20 to 40 years post-wildfire. With a combination of DNA work and sequencing, analyzing soil physical characteristics and elemental analysis, and microbial incubation trials, we hope to categorize and compare soil microbial communities across wildfire sites in Canada, from southern Alberta all the way up to the Northwest Territories. As a student helper, your role would be to process soil samples collected from the field last summer and conduct fundamental experiments to determine some physical and chemical characteristics of the samples.
Anticipated Start Date:
May 2026
Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):
Remote Work Eligibility Detail:
Not Remote
Anticipated Hours Per Week:
Minimum: 20 Maximum: 40
Schedule:
You can work a flexible schedule several days a week (Monday - Friday, during workday hours), depending on availability. Work will likely be done in shifts between 4-5 hours long, but can be up to 8 hours. We are seeking someone available for at least 20-30 hours this summer.
Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:
Minimum: 15.00
Number of Positions:
1
Qualifications:
Experience with lab work or data analysis is preferred, but not required. Must have a diligent work ethic and attention to detail, especially when working with lab equipment and precious samples. Ability to be an authorized driver is preferred, but not required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :
Interest in environmental or soil science is preferred! The ability to work at repetitive, highly precise tasks is an asset.
Position Summary/Job Duties:
Responsibilities will include processing soil samples for soil tests, including sieving, grinding, and weighing soil, and conducting a variety of soil analyses, such as bulk density, texture analysis, and pH.
Physical Demands:
This position will include moving heavy samples and equipment, weighing up to 50lbs. In-lab work can involve long hours of precise work, with sensitive equipment.
Institutional Statements:
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu
Accommodation Statement:
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
Advertised: May 11, 2026 09:00 AM Applications close: May 22, 2026 11:55 PM
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