Research Specialist I

Requisition # 2025-21272

Date Posted 2 months ago (10/24/2025 3:30 PM)

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Category: Research and Laboratory

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Levine Lab, which is part of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University, is seeking a full-time research assistant to contribute to projects on eco-evolutionary dynamics involving competing orchard flies. These projects will include a combination of outdoor mesocosm experiments, field collections, and laboratory-based measurements of evolution at the phenotypic and genomic levels. The position may also include work on a meta-analytic analysis of previous studies of competitor-induced evolution. Candidates will be selected based on their ability to contribute to both the field and lab components of the projects.

We aim to have the successful applicant start on January 1, 2026, though there is some flexibility. The initial contract will be for one year, but the duration of the position is flexible. The project timeline requires full-time work and is unable to accommodate part-time work spread over a longer period. Remote work is not a possibility. The work is based on campus at Princeton, though will require travel to other field locations.

Responsibilities

Projects will include a combination of the following activities:

• Outdoor mesocosm experiments
• Field collections
• Laboratory-based measurements of evolution at the phenotypic and genomic levels

The position may also include: Work on a meta-analytic analysis of previous studies of competitor-induced evolution.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

The candidate must be able to work independently, manage time, and communicate progress and obstacles. We expect the candidate to have college/university-level coursework in biology, zoology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or related disciplines. The candidate must be able to lift heavy equipment (up to 50 pounds) and must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Though not required, the ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following:

• Insect rearing and collection (especially of Drosophilid flies)
• Field research in ecology and/or evolution
• Genomic sequencing
• Reading and summarizing information from primary scientific literature or online databases

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Standard Weekly Hours 36.25

Eligible for Overtime Yes

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 90 days

Salary Range $41,000 to $60,000