Georgia), and Emily Josephs (Michigan State University). The project combines approaches from evolutionary biology, field ecology, and population genomics in a broadly distributed native plant species ( Chamaecrista fasciculata , Fabaceae) to forecast population dynamics range-wide under climate change. The technician will be part of a dynamic, dedicated, and engaged research group as well as a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-institution collaborative group that includes Botanic Garden and conservation professionals.The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative study of eco-evolutionary responses to climate in the partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata , an annual legume that grows in disturbed habitats in central and eastern North America. The technician’s primary responsibilities involve contributing to data collection and maintenance of a large common garden experiment (~3,500 plants) at Mason Farm Biological Reserve in Chapel Hill, NC. This includes collecting data on traits and fitness, entering data, maintenance tasks in the garden (e.g., weeding), and processing samples in the lab. The technician will also have opportunities to train and mentor undergraduate students and work with graduate students.
Start/End Dates: Exact start and end dates are flexible; this is a time-limited appointment for a maximum of 11 months.
Work Schedule: Working hours are typically between 6 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday, but there may be occasional need for hours before or after these times, and on weekends.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Due to the large volume of applicants, we will not be able to respond to individual emails about this position or meet with applicants prior to submission of application materials.
Is Time Limited: Yes
If Yes, Appointment Length: Up to 11 months
Job City & State: Raleigh, NC and Chapel Hill, NC
Department: Plant and Microbial Biology
Classification Title: Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional
Working Title: Temporary Plant Evolutionary Ecology Field Technician
Work Schedule: 20-40/hrs per week
Other Work/Responsibilities: n/a
Minimum Experience/Education: Combination of training and experience required to perform the duties
Department Required Skills: Previous experience working in a plant ecology or evolution lab; Knowledge of concepts surrounding ecology, evolution, and/or botany; Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions for long days; Previous experience with field research in ecology, evolution, and/or botany; Attention to detail; precise, neat work; ability to perform repetitive tasks; Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education: Bachelor’s degree; Coursework in ecology, plant biology, genetics, or related fields; Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs; Comfortable with manual labor, including but not limited to using common tools, light carpentry, and gardening/landscaping techniques; Experience with troubleshooting in the field
Required License or Certification: Valid driver’s license
Valid NC Driver's License required?: No
Commercial Driver's License Required?: No
Anticipated Hiring Range: $20/hr
Job Open Date: 07/13/2026
