Undergraduate Research Assistant
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.ku.edu). 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.
Job Description
60% - Research Project Support
- Contributes to an ongoing research project focused on the genetics of flower trait evolution.
- Capturing plant and flower images for analysis
- Performing image measurements using ImageJ software
- Conducting basic molecular biology procedures, including DNA extraction and PCR
- Assisting with general laboratory tasks related to experimental preparation and data collection
- Watering, fertilizing, and applying approved organic pest management treatments
- Propagating plants through cuttings
- Conducting controlled pollinations and collecting seeds
- Monitoring plant health and reporting any concerns to supervising staff
Required Qualifications
- Biology major or related field, as indicated in application materials.
- Experience with plant care in a greenhouse setting, as indicated in application materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in plant genetics research, as evidenced by information provided in cover letter.
Position Requirements
- Must be available to work on the Lawrence campus.
- Candidates must be available to work at least one morning per week, for a minimum of two hours between 8:00 a.m. and noon. This availability may fall on a weekday or a weekend.
- 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 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. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by February, 24th, 2025.
Contact Information to Applicants
Professor Lena Hileman
lhileman@ku.edu
lhileman@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$13.50
Anticipated Start Date
Wednesday March 4, 2026