Critter Crew Lab Assistant
Position Overview
Monarch Watch is an international organization based at KU that leads education, conservation, and research programs focused on the monarch butterfly, its habitat, and its spectacular fall migration. Monarch Watch is seeking undergraduate students to join our critter crew. The critter crew lab assistants are responsible for maintain an insect culture for research and education.
Job Description
- 70% Maintain a live insect culture. This includes preparing diet and feeding larvae and adult insects. Identify and diagnose insect diseases using a compound microscope. Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory. Wash insect cages and laboratory dishes.
- 15% Assemble and ship educational and promotional materials. Prepare and process insect shipments and data entry.
- 10% Work with live plants in a greenhouse and outdoors. This includes watering, re-potting, moving plants, cleaning greenhouse areas and general upkeep of thousands of plants. Occasionally assist with activities in garden.
- 5% Assist with public outreach. This involves interacting with visitors in a welcoming and professional manner during educational outreach activities. Answer inquiries from program participants via email and phone.
Required Qualifications
- Ability to use a compound microscope as evident from coursework or work experience.
- Indication in application materials of prior experience or interest in handling and working with insects.
- Experience working independently and collaboratively as a team.
- During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students.
Preferred Qualifications
- Biology or Science Major
- Able to work Saturday, May 11th.
- Be able to lift objects up to 30 lbs with or without accommodation.
Contact Information to Applicants
A complete application consists of the online application, cover letter, contact information for 3 references, and resume. Only complete applications will be considered.
Advertised Salary Range
$15.00/hr
Work Schedule
minimum of 3 hour shifts between 8am – 5pm M-F with some weekend shifts