Field Research Assistant: Plant-Pollinator Ecology | Cornell University

The Geber lab at Cornell University seeks a highly motivated,
detail-oriented assistant for summer 2015 field research in the Southern
Sierra Nevada (May-July) and lab work in Ithaca, NY (July-August).  We are
studying four species of annual plants in the genus Clarkia and their
specialist bee pollinators. Our research focuses on how pollinators may
impact plant species evolution and coexistence.

Our research sites are located in the Kern River Canyon in Kern County,
California. The lab rents a house on a property where other labs working in
this system are also based in the summer. This field assistant would have a
private bedroom, access to a shared bathroom and a communal kitchen, and
wireless Internet access. Frequent trips are made into town (Lake Isabella
and Kernville) for groceries and other supplies.

Successful applicants are expected to assist in data collection, data
entry,
and flower, seed, and bee collection in the field; work in Ithaca will
consist of sample processing and data analysis. The assistant will work a
39-hour workweek. Weather conditions in the Sierras can be very hot and dry
(100+ degrees F) in the summer, so assistants should be prepared to work in
hot conditions. Applicants must be able to hike up and steep hills for up
to
1 mile at a time, stoop or kneel for extended periods of time, and work in
proximity to bees and snakes. The work can be very physically demanding and
tiring, and the research team typically collects data 7 days a week. A good
sense of humor and a positive attitude are essential. Applicants must be
available from the first week of May through late August, although exact
start/end dates are flexible.

Qualifications:
1) Education: some undergraduate education in biology, ecology, or related
field, or equivalent experience
2) Experience: experience with and enthusiasm about working outdoors,
and/or
previous field research experience. Previous experience working with
plants,
bees, or insects is preferable but not required.
3) Tasks: perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail, daily hiking
4) Personality: interpersonal skills and willingness to live and work in
close quarters with other researchers in a house.

Compensation: transportation to and from California, a private room with
Internet access in the field house, and pay ($13-$15 an hour depending on
experience) will be provided. Applicants will be responsible for securing
their own housing in Ithaca for July and August.

The deadline for applications is March 20, 2016. Applicants should submit:
1) a short (1 page maximum) cover letter describing their qualifications as
well as future academic and professional goals; 2) a resume or CV outlining
previous work experience and relevant courses (completed or in progress),
extracurricular activities; and 3) contact information for two references.

Cornell University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
Cornell University and we in the Geber lab have a commitment to support
equality of education and employment opportunity by affirming the value of
diversity. We welcome and encourage scientists of all backgrounds to apply
to work with us! http://blogs.cornell.edu/geberlab/

Email to: Monica Geber, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
mag9@cornell.edu