Research Assistant - CST: Biology

Temple University's College of Science & Technology Biology Department is searching for a Research Assistant.

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:

• Full medical, dental, vision coverage Paid time off
• 11 Paid Holidays (including the day after Thanksgiving & winter break)
• Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
• A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Learn more about the “T” salary structure

here: https://careers.temple.edu/sites/careers/files/documents/T_Salary_Structure.pdf

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant in the College of Science & Technology’s Biology division will perform research focused on the restoration ecology and conservation biology of plant and insect species.  The research will have two primary goals: (1) to examine how invasive insects affect forest ecosystems, and (2) to understand and conserve at-risk insect species and their prairie habitats. The Research Assistant will work as part of a team to implement programs designed to understand, manage, and conserve native insect and plant species. 

The Research Assistant will apply ecological, horticultural, entomological, experimental design, and quantitative approaches to conduct a threat assessment on the effects of the invasive spotted lanternfly on native plant species, and to implement and evaluate techniques to restore prairie habitat and at-risk species of prairie butterflies.  Conducts regular field surveys of natural areas and carefully execute a set of designed experiments in the lab, greenhouse, semi-natural mesocosms, and the field in collaboration with state, federal, academic, and private partner organizations.  Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to planning, developing, and implementing programs for other restoration ecology and conservation biology research, entering data, completing statistical analyses, and writing reports.  Work will take place in office, lab, greenhouse, semi-natural mesocosm, and field settings.  Tasks will involve observation, capture, and rearing of focal insects, deploying, and maintaining experiments including large semi-natural enclosures, participating in experimental restoration activities, and collecting detailed Eco physiological and ecological data on plant and insect communities.  Additional responsibilities include field observations, entering data, completing statistical analyses, writing reports, and assisting other research tasks.  Performs other related 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 travel (mostly within Pennsylvania), participation in scientific or management conferences, and work on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia.

Essential Functions of Position:

•           Executes field surveys,

•           Conducts lab, greenhouse, mesocosm, and field experiments,

•           Plants trees, grasses, and herbaceous and woody plants,

•           Removes invasive species,

•           Rears insects for reintroduction or use in experiments,

•           Works cooperatively and maintains a positive and constructive working relationship with other project team members and collaborators, including faculty, s     students, state and federal biologists, funders, and other partners.

•           Enters and shares the collected data with project leaders in an organized and timely fashion. 

•           Carefully maintains field and laboratory notes relating to the progression of the study.

•           Participates in data curation, data analysis, and write-up of results.

•    Trains other project team members

Required Education & Experience:

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

Required Skills & 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. 
•  Strong attention to detail.

Preferred:

• Experience in plant identification.
• Experience in entomology, plant physiology, species invasions, or conservation biology.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.
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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