Plant and Microbial Ecology Research Assistant

Position Overview

The student will work closely with technicians, graduate students, and postdocs in the Bever/Schultz lab to assist in plant and microbial ecology research. During the summer the student will contribute to large scale ongoing field experiments by performing a variety of field work and general laboratory tasks, such as maintaining field plots, sampling and processing vegetation, and identifying plants. There is opportunity to stay with the lab into the Fall semester to assist with general laboratory and greenhouse tasks.

The ideal student will work near fulltime in the summer and work varying hours during the spring/fall semesters based on their availability and the lab’s research needs.

Job Description

40% -- collecting data from the field (e.g. plant biomass and percent cover)
30% -- processing samples from the field (e.g. sorting and drying biomass)
10% -- maintaining field experiments (e.g. weeding, mowing, irrigating)
10% -- aiding in greenhouse/laboratory experiments (e.g. watering and potting plants, collecting data, and turning over experiments)
10% -- entering data

Required Qualifications

Interest in ecology of plants and microbes, botany, or related field
Detail oriented with great time management skills
Ability to work as part of a team and independently
Willingness and ability to work outdoors during hot summer months

**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. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework in biology, ecology, environmental science or related subjects
Experience working or doing strenuous physical activity outdoors, in a variety Kansas weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, etc.)
Experience with plant identification or dichotomous keys

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application consists of the online application, cover letter, and resume. Only complete applications will be considered.

Contact Information to Applicants

Jaide Hawkins
Jaide.hawkins@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$15.00

Work Schedule

20 hours max during the academic year; 40 hours max during the summer

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Posting Information

Posting ID: 27108BR
Department: KS Biological Survey
Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
Reg/Temp: Temporary
Employee Class: S-Student