Part-Time Research Assistant – Lieurance Invasion Ecology Lab

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking part-time Research Assistants for the Lieurance Invasion Ecology Lab. Candidates will assist with a national horizon scan of invasive plants, conducting risk assessments and literature reviews. Preference is for registered Penn State undergraduates able to work at least 10 hours per week. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and interest in ecology are important. Training will be provided, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Dr. Lieurance in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management currently has several openings for paid part-time research assistants. The successful candidates will assist in the National Horizon Scan of Terrestrial and Aquatic Plants in the Organisms in Trade Pathway. Preference will be given to full-time registered Penn State undergraduate students who can devote at least 10 hours per week. Duties include completing rapid risk assessments of non-native plants, conducting literature reviews, attending regular meetings, and other tasks related to invasion risk assessment. Training will be provided.

Positions require attention to detail and an ability to follow instructions. The candidate must be organized and able to work independently as well as within a group. Familiarity with Excel and good organizational skills are desired. Interest in plant and invasion ecology is beneficial.

Please submit an application, resume, and a separate document with a short statement detailing your interest in the position. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions have been filled.

Context:

Early evaluation of a species’ potential invasiveness can aid in prevention or early detection and rapid response by prioritizing the allocation of scarce management resources. International trade in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry species is the dominant pathway invasive plants have been introduced world-wide. With thousands of imported plants being brought into the U.S. each year through the live plant trade, the U.S. needs a systematic examination of all plants in trade to anticipate which of these species have the potential to become invasive and cause future impacts. Horizon scanning is the systematic examination of information to identify potential threats, risks, emerging issues, and opportunities to inform policy, regulations, and decision-making.

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