Plant Ecology Research Assistant – Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

Hello,

I am looking to hire a research assistant to assist with my PhD research for the entirety of July 2022 at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Look below for details about the position, compensation and suggested qualifications for applicants.

Job Description: We are looking for one highly motivated, passionate individual who is enthusiastic to learn about subalpine ecosystems, plant physiology and plant monitoring and gain first-hand experience in field research in plant ecology.

Project Description: Multiple year snowmelt manipulation to address how climate change induced earlier snowmelt will impact plant physiology, reproduction and population viability.

Successful candidates will:

• Learn how to identify four subalpine plant species
• Learn how to use various physiological instruments including a porometer and fluorometer
• Learn how to conduct various other plant monitoring including nectar volume & nectar sugar concentration measurements as well as demographic vital monitoring
• Learn how to conduct pollinator observation sessions which will include basic training in pollinator ID (with an emphasis on Bombus ID)
• Work with other students and graduate student mentor to develop both field skills and data management.

Salary & Covered Costs: $15.00/hour, with housing provided at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and field station costs also covered.

Time Frame: July of Summer of 2022 (40 hrs/week for all four weeks guaranteed, possibility of extension depending on funding availability).

Qualifications:

• Attention to detail
• Ability to work within a field team with a positive attitude
• Scientific integrity
• Ability to learn and adopt new skills for both field work and data management
• Interest in conducting plant ecological research and field work
• Enthusiasm for long days in the field at high elevations

Undergraduate students, students with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and students in between undergraduate and graduate programs are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants that have previous field experience.

To apply, please send the following two documents to Elsa Godtfredsen (egodtfredsen@chicagobotanic.org) by May 1st in Word or PDF format:

1. CV (including contact information for 2-3 references)
2. One paragraph statement that includes (i) how the position helps you to achieve your career goals and (ii) why you are a good fit for the position (no more than 1/2 page, standard font size).

Please feel free to reach out with questions or clarifications.

Best,

Elsa Godtfredsen

She/her/hers
PhD Student
Plant Biology and Conservation Department
Chicago Botanic Garden & Northwestern University