Research Associate: Carbon analyst (Memphis) - Pattern Ag

EarthOptics is an agricultural technology company leveraging advances in genomics, data science, measurement, robotics, and mapping to help farmers improve the productivity and profitability of their land. By applying genomic analysis to farm soil, we unlock a wide range of predictive insights that help farmers optimize their spend on seed, crop protection, and fertility inputs. Combining these insights with the latest in digital sensing, data science, and machine learning, we are ushering in the era of predictive agriculture, powering on-farm decision making for millions of acres, and billions in crop spend.

Our team is seeking a Research Associate to support high throughput commercial and R&D soil chemistry analyses. You will have an opportunity to gain experience with state-of-the-art technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. This position will support the carbon market incentives that are a critical component of our revenue streams, by continuing to establish and scale our elemental analysis instrumentation.

This is a full-time position of 40 hours a week, eligible for overtime pay. Work is achieved during split-shift days, Monday through Friday and weekend days when necessary. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to coordinate analyses such that the instruments are under continuous operation. This means that, as the primary operator, you would be expected to either come in late at night to exchange samples, or to schedule secondary operators to do so for the first 3-6 months.

Start Date: Immediately upon completion of pre-hire requirements.

Duration: Indefinite.

Salary range: $50-65K annual as hourly wages, disbursed twice monthly.

Responsibilities:

• Become expert carbon analyst (software & hardware) using techniques such as:
  • Dry combustion (TC gold-standard)
  • Acidification & sparging (IC gold-standard)
  • Spectroscopic techniques (raman backscatter, mid-infrared, laser-induced breakdown)
• Coordinate with upstream and downstream teams to maintain:
  • Continuous operation of multiple elemental analyzers, including scheduling secondary operators for off-shift sample exchanges
  • Short turnaround times, including soil sample pre-processing and sample reruns based on quality control metrics
• Work with vendors and engineers to:
  • Onboard cooperative robots to automate overnight sample exchanges
  • Optimize elemental analysis methods to maximize throughput while retaining quality
  • Proactively maintain instruments and equipment
• Train, guide, and supervise dynamic (~3 mo) seasonal work force during peak (cyclical) commercial production
• Become proficient  in other standard soil-lab analytical technologies and equipment (as secondary operator)
• Maintain clean and organized work environment during all phases of operation
• Manage and curate a physical and digital Soil Library by organizing, cataloging, and maintaining soil-related data, information, and processes from various sources such as research studies, surveys, field observations, and laboratory analyses
• Label and organize physical soil samples ensuring appropriate curatorial standards are met and quarantined soil is appropriately handled
• Create and standardize metadata and indexing systems to categorize soil data based on parameters such as location, project, soil type, soil properties, and research methodology
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of soil databases by regularly updating and validating data, resolving discrepancies, and implementing quality control measures
• Direct and maintain Soil Library operations by ordering necessary materials, evaluating inventory needs, and establishing organizational structure for physical samples
• Serve as the primary point of contact to receive and track soil samples, monitor and report physical conditions, respond to inquiries, and promote collaboration across internal and external stakeholders

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences either completed or in-process
• 1 year hands on experience with elemental analysis
• Interest in laboratory robotics

Skills and Special Requirements: 

• Must be willing to work odd hours that fall outside of a typical 9-5 work week
• Must be able to multitask and work in a fast paced environment
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lb
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license

Location: Memphis, TN 

Work Environment & Physical Demands: 

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing duties of this job, will be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel, and use fingers and hands.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Job will be performed in a lab environment. 
• Dress is casual and Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) is supplied including lab coats.
• Acoustic levels in the lab may exceed 80 dBa (PPE hearing protection provided).

We're excited to review your application!

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