Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician
Position Summary
The technician will work with Dr. Bothwell, graduate students, and other research technicians to investigate how adaptations to drought and disease vary across southern pine species and genotypes (loblolly and longleaf). Primary responsibilities will include assisting with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse, inoculating seedlings with the pathogen Lecanosticta acicola responsible for brown spot needle blight (BSNB), and conducting weekly surveys of disease severity and seedling health. They will also assist in collecting weekly digital scans of roots, and gain experience in using image analysis software to investigate how root architecture, growth, and morphology contribute to forest resilience to drought. They will also have the opportunity to gain experience using LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal conductance). Students may also develop a research project of their own related to the above study, which could become a Senior Thesis project.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Primary responsibilities will include assisting with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse, inoculating seedlings with the pathogen Lecanosticta acicola responsible for brown spot needle blight (BSNB), and conducting weekly surveys of disease severity and seedling health. (60%)
- Assist in collecting weekly digital scans of roots, and gain experience in using image analysis software. (15%)
- Use LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal conductance). (10%)
- Data entry and general organization. (10%)
- Other duties as assigned (5%)
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