Ecology Research Field/Lab Technician

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 29 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 28 Mar 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Biology - 318200
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 03/26/2024
Application Deadline 03/28/2024
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Ecology Research Field/Lab Technician
Position Number 20012177
Vacancy ID S022868
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Monday- Friday, 8-5pm
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $17.00/hour
Proposed Start Date 06/17/2024
Estimated Duration of Appointment 2 months or less

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology by maintaining a high-quality faculty who integrate cutting-edge research and student-focused teaching.
We are one of the largest academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. We have over 2,800 majors and we enroll over 5,000 undergraduate students in our classes each year. Our average total annual expenditures exceed $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant sponsored research. The department is composed of 50 tenure-track faculty, 10 teaching faculty, 8 research faculty, and numerous active adjunct and emeritus faculty. We currently have 50 graduate students, 40 post-docs and employ approximately 60 additional graduate and undergraduate students from across the university to assist in our teaching and research missions. Our mission is supported by an administrative and technical staff of 20, with an additional 25 staff directly supporting research.
Position Summary
Assist with research on plant disease ecology in field and lab settings. The research technician will work on a grant-funded project examining how seasonal epidemics of infectious diseases are influenced by both climatic variables and ecological interactions among microbial species. Specific duties include extensive vegetation surveys of foliar fungal pathogens, management of data collected from surveys, collection of plant and fungal samples from the field, culturing and archiving of fungal pathogens from infected plant material, working on greenhouse inoculation protocols, extracting DNA from cultured fungal samples, and assisting other lab members with additional projects. The research technician should be able to 1) work independently under minimal supervision and with other team members, 2) work accurately and efficiently, and 3) maintain exceptional communication skills with the research team over the course of daily activities.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Willingness and ability to work early mornings and outdoors daily in the summer is required, in addition to familiarity with general research procedures. The capacity to communicate and work well with others as a team is also essential. Employees must be able to secure transportation to an off-campus field site (Duke Forest) on a daily basis, in addition to working at the on-campus lab when necessary. Previous experience working with plant diseases is not required – training on identification of foliar pathogens and particular methods in the study system will be provided.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or some educational experience in a relevant field, including ecology, biology, and environmental science. Experience conducting ecological research, especially in the field. Demonstrated experience working in outdoor conditions for extended periods of time is a plus.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Capacity and willingness to conduct outdoor field work during the daytime hours of summer. Field work will involve long periods of time spent kneeling into vegetation for surveys. Work is expected to be continued through periods of inclement weather (i.e. rain) that do not pose a health risk.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/277155
Temporary Employment Policies
Temporary Employment Policies

Posting Contact Information


Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected] 
 
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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