[PCA] Job Posting: full time Research Assistant at the Morton Arboretum

[Sean Hoban]

RA Job advertisement- Forest Ecology and Tree Conservation Biology

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support the Forest Ecologist and
Tree Conservation Biologist at The Morton Arboretum.  These research
programs combine elements of field ecology, genetics, and modeling to
advance the preservation and conservation of trees in their natural
environments and in  living collections (e.g. arboreta).  The RA will:
participate in planning and executing laboratory and field work using a
variety of instruments and methods, assist with lab management, organize
and order supplies, maintain and inventory equipment, and train and oversee
volunteers.  The RA will be be involved with the entire research process
from data collection and analysis to manuscript preparation.  The ideal
candidate will be independently motivated and able to contribute to the
intellectual development of projects though reading papers, designing
studies, and independently analyzing data.  There will be opportunity for
the RA to collaborate on papers, present research at national meetings, and
work with collaborators on international projects.

The Research Assistant must be well organized, communicate clearly, solve
problems, be able to work without close supervision (after training),
quickly learn new skills, and have strong attention to detail and
meticulous record keeping.  Applicants should have a strong background in
plant sciences, ecology, evolutionary biology, informatics and/or molecular
biology with both lab and field experience. A Bachelor’s degree in Ecology,
Natural Resources, Evolutionary Biology, Botany, Informatics, or related
field is required and a Master’s degree and/or at least one year experience
in laboratory, field, or statistical research is strongly preferred.  The
applicant must demonstrate curiosity, an ability to multi-task, an
enthusiasm for ecology and genetics, and an interest in developing a broad
range of skills in forest biodiversity science.  Work will include a
mixture of office, laboratory, and field work.  Field work will take place
in all weather conditions,  and the ability to lift heavy objects and
conduct physically challenging activities in all weather is required. Some
out of state travel may be required.

For full consideration, please apply before August 14, 2017. The position
will ideally start at the end of September.  You may apply at:
https://careers.hireology.com/themortonarboretum/132996/description

Successful applicants will clearly demonstrate relevant experience and
skills in their application. Examples of desirable past experience may, but
is not limited to, include the following:

   -

   Planning lab or field activities, keeping detailed lab/field notebooks,
   and documenting protocols.
   -

   Experience with plant identification and flora of the midwest.
   -

   Experience in a molecular lab- PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction,
   DNA sequencing, troubleshooting and optimizing lab protocols.
   -

   Planning field expeditions, field sampling (biotic and abiotic
   measurements), seed collection.
   -

   Data management and analysis using a scripted language such as R;
   additional coding languages such as python, C, fortran or expertise in a
   database program (ACCESS, SQL, etc.) are a plus.
   -

   Computer programming, informatics, statistical modeling, dynamic
   biological models.
   -

   Literature search, meta-analysis, writing reports.

If you have questions please contact
Sean Hoban (shoban at mortonarb.org) or Christy Rollinson (
crollinson at mortonarb.org).
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.plantconservation.org/pipermail/native-plants_lists.plantconservation.org/attachments/20170721/de71111a/attachment.html>