Research Assistant in Plant Evolutionary Ecology Department of Plant and Microbial Biology North Carolina State University
A full-time position for a Research Assistant is available in Seema Sheth’s plant evolutionary ecology lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. We study the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying species climatic niches and geographic ranges, with the aim of understanding evolutionary and plastic responses to climatic changes. We combine field, greenhouse, and growth chamber experiments, quantitative genetics, and comparative analyses to examine constraints to adaptation in plant populations, species, and clades. The successful candidate will contribute to several projects in the lab studying plant evolutionary ecology, primarily using monkeyflowers (Mimulus) as a model system. Main responsibilities include establishment and maintenance of field, growth chamber, and greenhouse experiments, data collection and management, supervision and training of undergraduate researchers, and general lab and clerical tasks. Although the technician will be based at North Carolina State University, travel for fieldwork is necessary. Fieldwork will require long days initiating experimental populations and collecting seeds and data. Greenhouse work will involve standing for long periods of time in hot, humid, and dirty conditions. Motivated individuals will have the opportunity to participate in data analysis, presentation, and manuscript writing. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Botany, or a related discipline, and at least two years of experience conducting ecological or evolutionary field and greenhouse experiments with plants. Candidates are also expected to have exceptional organizational skills, a strong work ethic, an excellent problem-solving ability, and careful attention to details, including the maintenance of clear records. Candidates must also have strong oral and written communication and time management skills and the ability to work both independently and closely with others. We seek an individual who has a valid driver’s license and is willing to travel and do physically strenuous work in harsh field conditions. Basic experience with Geographic Information Systems, R and Google Sheets and Docs is strongly preferred. This position is for one year, with potential for renewal for up to two additional years upon satisfactory performance. Exact start date is flexible, but ideally no later than February 2019. TO APPLY: Please submit application to: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/109452. You will need to upload 1) a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, along with your current and future career interests, 2) CV, and 3) contact information for 3 references. Please direct questions to Dr. Seema Sheth at seema_sh...@ncsu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Seema Sheth Assistant Professor Department of Plant and Microbial Biology North Carolina State University seemasheth.weebly.com seema_sh...@ncsu.edu
