Research Assistant

USU’s Department of Biology seeks applications for a part-time, hourly Research Assistant to support the Robinson Lab with its research on the ecological and evolutionary drivers of plant-insect interactions. The lab focuses on common gardens of rubber rabbitbrush, Ericameria nauseosa, a plant native to the Western United States with key ecological roles. These gardens help identify trait-based drivers of plant-insect interactions and the genetic vs. environmental underpinnings of those traits.

About the role

The work site is a single location 30 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona at Blue Chute, a research property maintained by Northern Arizona University.

Responsibilities

• Conduct weekly field visits to collect ecological data on native plants from field experiments, including size, plant mortality, flowering time, and measurement of plant traits and insect communities.

Requirements

• Experience in field botany or plant ecology
• Familiarity with floral morphology

Pay

$18/hour

Schedule & Working Conditions

• Part-time, hourly position
• Work is performed outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold
• Requires moderate physical effort, including lifting up to 25 pounds, walking and standing for extended periods, and assuming uncomfortable positions such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting
• Adherence to safety precautions and use of protective equipment may be required