Faculty Research Assistant

The Burghardt lab in the Entomology department at the University of Maryland-College Park is hiring a Faculty Research Assistant. The lab focuses on understanding the ecology of plant/insect/soil interactions within human-managed landscapes. The research assistant will function as a lab manager and technician. They will aid in laboratory and protocol setup and contribute to the maintenance and data collection for at least two current lab projects: (1) quantifying insect herbivore communities, predation/parasitism rates, and plant traits within a large-scale tree diversity experiment (BiodiversiTREE) located at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and (2) examining whether rhizobial diversity determines soybean resistant to drought and herbivore stress. The position will provide opportunities to work with Smithsonian researchers and UMD extension scientists and involves interaction with stakeholders and citizen scientists. Primary responsibilities will include field and greenhouse data collection and management, specimen rearing and identification, sample prep and processing as well as organization and maintenance of equipment and chemical safety. While not a requirement of the position, there will be opportunities for the assistant to participate in data analysis and production of publications (co-authorship) and other professional development activities if desired.

Required qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree (preferably in biology/ecology or related field)
2. Organizational and data collection skills
3. Possession of (or ability to acquire) USA driver’s license
4. Ability to work and collect data in adverse field conditions and carry up to 25lbs
5. Ability to troubleshoot problems, learn new field and laboratory skills (such as those outlined below), and work with a diverse team that includes graduate students, PIs, and postdocs

Desired qualifications (not all necessary but please mention in cover letter if applicable):

1. Insect collection/rearing/identification experience and/or soil processing skills
2. Plant trait measurements and plant cultivation in the field/greenhouse
3. Familiarity with the R, graphics production, data entry/manipulation, and databases
4. Experience with molecular techniques (e.g. microbial community extractions for sequencing)
5. Master’s degree OR previous biological research or technician experience
6. Ability to start position between February and June 2019

Position details: This position is based at the College Park campus of the University of Maryland within the Washington DC metropolitan area and includes a competitive salary (commensurate with experience) and benefits. This is a full-time, 12-month, 1-yr+ position. Reappointment is available for additional years’ conditional on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.

To apply: Interested candidates should send an application including (1) cover letter including relevant skills, professional goals, and ideal start date range (2) CV, and (3) names and contact information for three academic or professional references to kburghar@umd.edu. If possible, submit as a single combined PDF file. Review of applicants will begin immediately and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. All applications received by January 31st will be guaranteed consideration.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.