Plant and Microbial Ecology Research Assistant – Field
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.
Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).
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.
Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).
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
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.
To ensure consideration apply before the application review date 05/31/2025. A review of applications will continue until qualified candidates are identified.
To ensure consideration apply before the application review date 05/31/2025. A review of applications will continue until qualified candidates are identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Jaide Hawkins
Jaide.hawkins@ku.edu
Jaide.hawkins@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$15.00/hr
Work Schedule
20 hours max during the academic year; 40 hours max during the summer.
Flexible during the academic year; M-F during the summer with start/end times varying dependent on weather conditions.
Flexible during the academic year; M-F during the summer with start/end times varying dependent on weather conditions.
Anticipated Start Date
Monday May 5, 2025