Research Assistant - Biology

Temple University’s College of Science & Technology offers nearly 30 majors across six departments: Biology, Chemistry, Computer & Information Sciences, Earth & Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Physics. The College of Science and Technology (CST) is your path to technology or science careers that soar, from ending global warming and saving endangered species to using advanced data mining to improve human health and wellbeing. 

The Research Assistant in the College of Science & Technology’s Biology Division will be responsible for the performance of ecological research and conservation biology research.  A primary focus will be examining how a non-native, invasive insect known as the spotted lanternfly affects forest ecosystems, and conservation biology research, including studies to improve management of natural systems and to understand and protect wildlife threatened by emerging infectious diseases, including the disease white-nose syndrome in bats.  The Research Assistant will work as part of a team to plan, develop, and implement programs designed to understand and conserve native plant and wildlife species facing these emerging threats.  Undertakes practical application of biological, experimental design, and quantitative principles and conduct field and laboratory studies to understand herbivory interactions, host-pathogen interactions, disease effects, susceptibility, and management. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to planning, developing, and implementing programs for other ecology and conservation biology research, entering data, completing statistical analyses, and writing reports.   Performs other duties as assigned.

The position will be based at Temple Ambler Field Station on Temple University’s Ambler Campus in Ambler, Pennsylvania (outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), but may also include remote work, and local travel to support research, travel to visit collaborators and funders in central Pennsylvania, travel to scientific or management conferences, and work on Temple’s main campus in Philadelphia.

The Department of Biology has a distinguished history of research and education, and currently has over 30-full-¬time faculty supporting millions of dollars in externally funded research per year.  It is our intention to find a colleague who will expand this research diversity and who wishes to work closely and collaboratively to build on the division’s success.  Since its founding, Temple University has been committed to challenging the status quo. Today, we are an international powerhouse and a top-tier research institution with nearly 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and more than 340,000 alumni worldwide.

The College of Science & Technology is committed to building a diverse, vibrant educational community grounded in an appreciation for others, open-mindedness and respect.

This position is 100% grant-funded.

Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Horticulture, Forestry, Animal Behavior or related field and at least six months of related research and/or laboratory experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills and Abilities:
• Excellent interpersonal skills, along with the ability to effectively interact with a diverse population of students, faculty and staff,
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team,
• Ability to carefully and accurately collect data in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse,
• Ability to record detailed records and inventories, and 
• Strong attention to detail. 

Preferred:
• Experience in plant identification, and
• Experience in entomology, plant physiology, species invasions, mycology, or conservation biology.

Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

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