Research Technician - Agriculture, Greenhouse & Field Operations

About the role

The Research Technician supports the Interfacial Lab (iLab) at KAUST by assisting with greenhouse and growth chamber operations, laboratory testing and field trials related to biochar and soil amendment research. The workplace is on site in Jeddah.

Key responsibilities

• Support greenhouse and growth chamber operations, including setting up and maintaining plant growth experiments
• Prepare soil substrates with biochar amendments (CarboSoil, SandX and superhydrophobic sand) according to experimental protocols, and monitor plant health, growth conditions and productivity metrics
• Conduct soil and plant sample analysis, including pH, EC, nutrient composition and water retention
• Assist with field trials, soil preparation, planting, irrigation setup, soil sampling and environmental monitoring
• Maintain laboratory inventory and experimental records, and follow laboratory safety procedures

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, Horticulture or a related field
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in greenhouse operations, agricultural research, field trials and soil/plant analysis
• Experience with irrigation systems, greenhouse/growth chamber operations and laboratory testing
• Knowledge of biochar and soil amendment technologies is an advantage
• Valid driving licence and willingness to work at field sites when required

Required skills

• Soil and plant analysis, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient composition and water retention testing
• Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and manage laboratory inventory