Plant and Microbial Ecology Research Assistant – Greenhouse

The University of Kansas is hiring a Plant and Microbial Ecology Research Assistant for greenhouse work in Lawrence, KS. Responsibilities include maintaining plants, harvesting, experimental setup, lab processing, and data entry. The position requires an interest in ecology, teamwork, and the ability to work in a greenhouse. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours during the academic year. Flexible hours during the semester and full-time in summer.
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

Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

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

Contact Information to Applicants
Jaide Hawkins
Jaide.hawkins@ku.edu
• 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)
• 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

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).

Additional Candidate Instruction
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.