Student 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.
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
- Demonstrated interest in ecology of plants and microbes, botany, or related field as stated and evidenced by application materials.
- Detail oriented with great time management skills as evidenced by application materials.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently as evidenced by application materials.
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to work outdoors during hot summer months as stated and evidenced by application materials.
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.
Position Requirements
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 the 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).
Employment Conditions
(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.
(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.
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 starts on Monday, 4/20/2026. A review of applications will continue and is ongoing until a pool of qualified candidates is identified.
To ensure consideration apply before the application review starts on Monday, 4/20/2026. A review of applications will continue and is ongoing until a pool of qualified candidates is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Ashley Bowman
ashley.wojciechowski@ku.edu
ashley.wojciechowski@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$15/hr
Anticipated Start Date
Monday May 4, 2026