Plant and Microbial Ecology Research Assistant – Greenhouse
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 multiple greenhouse experiments by performing a variety of greenhouse and lab tasks. Such as maintaining and measuring plants, harvesting greenhouse plants, and experimental cleanup. 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% -- maintaining and measuring greenhouse plants (e.g. plant height and pest control)
30% -- harvesting and processing plants from greenhouse experiments (e.g. root washing and weighing)
10% -- experimental set up and clean up (e.g. washing pots and sterilizing equipment)
10% -- aiding in laboratory processing (e.g. staining and mounting roots for microscopy, spore extractions, and other microbial methods)
10% -- entering data and helping with field work
30% -- harvesting and processing plants from greenhouse experiments (e.g. root washing and weighing)
10% -- experimental set up and clean up (e.g. washing pots and sterilizing equipment)
10% -- aiding in laboratory processing (e.g. staining and mounting roots for microscopy, spore extractions, and other microbial methods)
10% -- entering data and helping with field work
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 in a greenhouse environment 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 indoors and outdoors
- Experience with growing plants in greenhouses
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 04/21/2025. A review of applications will continue until qualified candidates are identified.
To ensure consideration apply before the application review date 04/21/2025. 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