"Seasonal Research Assistant - Biology"

Seasonal Research Assistant - Biology

Posted: 27-Mar-25

Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania

Type: Temporary/Per diem

Categories: Academic/Faculty

Employment Type: Temporary/Per diem

Organization Type: Higher Education Institution

Required Education: Bachelor’s

Internal Number: 25001

OVERVIEW

The Department of Biology at Ursinus College seeks a seasonal assistant to conduct agroecological research beginning in early to mid-May 2025. The research assistant will work with Dr. Denise Finney, Associate Professor of Biology, to conduct field and laboratory experiments, train and supervise undergraduate researchers, and perform routine laboratory maintenance. This is a USDA grant-funded position for a period of six months (approximately 40 hours/week).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect soil samples from farms in southeast and south-central Pennsylvania
• Perform elemental analyses on plant and soil samples
• Initiate and maintain soil laboratory incubations involving stable isotopes
• Conduct laboratory assays to characterize and quantify soil microbial communities
• Supervise, train, and assist undergraduate researchers
• Stock consumable materials required for research in the laboratory
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the laboratory space and equipment
• Manage safety issues in field and laboratory settings to ensure a clean and safe working environment and coordinate waste disposal

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, or related field required
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques in plant or soil science required
• Basic computing skills required
• Comfort working outdoors required
• Excellent interpersonal, trouble-shooting, organizational, and communication skills required

PREFERRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Previous experience working in agricultural experiments helpful but not required
• Previous experience with molecular techniques for soil microbial community characterization (such as DNA extraction, qPCR) helpful but not required

ANTICIPATED START DATE

Early to mid-May 2025