The Prather lab at the University of Dayton ( https://chelseprather.wordpress.com/) is seeking a full-time technician in grassland ecology. This position would be perfect for someone looking to gain more experience in ecological research before applying to grad school. The person will be located at UD during the academic year and in Texas in the summer months (summer housing provided by grant funds). We would like to move quickly in hiring someone before summer field work begins. See below for particulars, and use this link ( https://jobs.udayton.edu/postings/22495) to apply for the position.
_________________________________ The hired individual will be responsible for field and laboratory research related to Dr. Prather’s funded projects with grassland insect communities. The particular responsibilities of the technician include organizing the day-to-day functioning of the lab, ordering necessary materials through the university’s e-procurement system, supervising undergraduate students working in the lab, and cataloging and organizing research samples. *Work is performed in Texas during summer months, and would require relocation to Texas at this time (housing is covered by grant funds). T*he individual will be responsible for the following: • Perform Soil analyses: measure soil moisture, pH, conductivity, and grind soil for nutrient analyses. • Identify and sort insects: sort terrestrial insects from plant material and identify insects to morphospecies • Data entry: accurately entering data and organizing large data sets for analysis. • Field work: spending summers involved in very physical fieldwork to sample plants, insects, and soils in large field experiments in Texas. This includes sweep netting, hammering soil cores, lifting field equipment (coolers containing samples, etc.) • Participating in public outreach work in which the lab is involved: (communicating with media, hosting tours of field site, etc.). Minimum qualifications: • BS in biology or related STEM field • Able and willing to spend the summer months in Texas to conduct field research • Demonstrated history of dedication to lab work • Ability to enter data accurately • A valid driver’s license with low-risk driving record Preferred qualifications: • Experience identifying insects using diachotomous keys • Experience working with large datasets • Experience supervising undergraduate students • Experience managing a lab, including ordering supplies • Experience with Excel • Effective interpersonal skills The University of Dayton, founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, is a top ten Catholic research university. The University seeks outstanding, diverse faculty and staff who value its mission and share its commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research and artistic creativity, the development of the whole person, and leadership and service in the local and global community. To attain its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, inclusion and affirmative action and to equal opportunity policies and practices. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer we will not discriminate against minorities, females, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. -- Dr. Chelse Prather Assistant Professor, University of Dayton Office: SC235B, Phone: (937) 229-2716 Lab: SC133, Phone: (937) 229-2586
