Student Hourly
Position Overview
The Hileman Lab (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) is hiring an undergraduate to assist with plant care and laboratory research. In the Hileman lab we study the genetics of flower trait evolution (hilemanlab.org). The student employee will carry out routine plant care tasks in the Haworth Hall greenhouse (3014 Haworth Hall) which requires basic familiarity with plant care in a greenhouse setting. The student employee will also contribute to ongoing research projects (8009/8011 Haworth Hall) investigating the genetics of floral evolution. The research component does not require previous experience.
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).
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% Routine plant care in the Haworth Hall greenhouse (3014 Haworth Hall) including watering, fertilizing, organic treatment for pests, propagation by cuttings, pollination and seed collection.
- 60% Contributions to research project investigating the genetics of flower trait evolution. Activities are likely to include imaging, image measurements using ImageJ software and basic molecular biology benchwork (DNA extraction, PCR).
- The position does not require heavy lifting, but light lifting (for example, 1 gallon filled watering cans, approximately 8 lbs.) is required. The position does not require labor-intensive tasks but does require extended periods of time standing during plant care and repetitive hand activity (e.g., pipetting).
Required Qualifications
- 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).
- Acceptable candidates for the position must be available to work on the Lawrence campus.
- Acceptable candidates for the position must be available to work a minimum 2 hours between 8am and noon one morning per week (weekdays and/or weekends).
- Acceptable candidates for the position must be majoring in biology (or related field, for example biochemistry, environmental studies).
- Acceptable candidates for the position must have some experience with plant care in a greenhouse setting.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal student for this position:
- is a Biology major, interested in plant genetics research, as evidenced by information provided in their cover letter.
- is not graduating before Fall 2025.
- will be committed and reliable with respect to the agreed-upon schedule.
- is careful and detail oriented.
- is eager to learn, comfortable asking for help/clarification, and generally enthusiastic about asking technical questions whenever clarification or curiosity requires.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application will include a cover letter briefly describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, a resume or CV, and names/contact information for two professional references. Apply online; applications must be submitted by midnight on the night of January 31st, 2025.
Contact Information to Applicants
Professor Lena Hileman (lhileman@ku.edu)
Advertised Salary Range
13.50
Work Schedule
up to 20 hours/week school year; up to 40 hours/week summer
Anticipated Start Date
Monday February 10, 2025