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Careers in the Plant SciencesResearch Technician FellowshipThe Morton Arboretum - Lisle, Illinois, United States
Position Title:
Research Technician Fellowship
Position Type:
Research Fellow
Application Review Begins:
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Application Deadline:
Friday, September 29, 2023
Institution:
The Morton Arboretum
Department/Division:
The Center for Tree Science
Field (e.g., systematics):
City:
Lisle, Illinois, United States
General Information:
The Research Technician Fellowship is intended to welcome undergraduate and high school students over the age of 16 who are interested in learning about tree science. No experience is necessary. Fellows will be mentored and trained as they assist in laboratory and/or field operations under close supervision.
To apply, individuals will complete the online application form; while encouraged, a resume and cover letter are not required. A brief true/false survey will be sent immediately to confirm interest, followed by a required questionnaire within one week to determine project interest and allow applicants an opportunity to provide additional details. Applications will close at 5pm (Central time) on Friday, September 29, 2023. Position Summary: The Research Technician Fellowship is intended to welcome students interested in learning about tree science. No experience is necessary. These fellows will be mentored and trained under close supervision as they assist in laboratory and/or field operations in areas such as soil ecology, tree conservation, tree root biology, and tree health monitoring. Projects available for Fall 2023 Forest Ecology Lab (part-time): Trees at The Morton Arboretum record and preserve decades to centuries of information on growth responses to environmental conditions in their annual rings. In collaboration with the Herbarium, we are forming a formal archival collection of wood cross-sections so that comparative research on growth trends and wood anatomy can be performed while leveraging the wealth of information and extended records (e.g. Herbarium, BRAHMS) that is truly unique to The Morton Arboretum. Student interns will assist with the full cycle of collections development and curation, including specimen cataloging, sample preparation, dendrochronological analysis, and digitization. Special Considerations: Interns must be comfortable lifting 30+ lbs assisted (15 lbs unassisted) and with the use of power tools, including belt sanders and potentially saws (after training). Applicants do not need to know how to use these tools already, but must not be afraid to learn. Global Tree Conservation Program (part-time): Many native oaks are threatened with extinction in the wild which play vital roles in various ecosystems. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive data on their ecology and distribution has hindered effective conservation decision-making. The Global Tree Conservation Program is working on compiling this information for Mesoamerican oak species. This is an opportunity for students to learn about ecology, diversity concepts, and the threats that many Oak species are facing in Mesoamerica. Students will be actively involved in data curation, searching for relevant information about the ecology and threats faced by Mesoamerican Oaks, and contributing to the development of species distribution maps. While prior knowledge of coding is preferred, it is not mandatory, as the techniques can be learned on the job. Candidates should be comfortable with computer-based work, as most tasks are conducted digitally. Applicants should be enthusiastic and open to new experiences and training, eager to contribute to the conservation of Mesoamerican oak species and the preservation of their vital ecosystems. Herbarium and Plant Systematics Lab (part-time): The Morton Arboretum Herbarium houses more than 190,000 dried plant specimens and 18,000 lichens, many from Illinois and Missouri. Research being conducted in the Herbarium and Plant Systematics Lab focuses on the diversification and evolution of plant lineages. It employs the tools of molecular phylogenetics, phylogenomics, morphometrics, population genetics, and field ecology to address basic questions about patterns of plant biodiversity: How many species are there? How are they delimited and identified? How are they related and how strong are the barriers to gene flow between species? The student will join the Morton Arboretum’s Herbarium and Plant Systematics Laboratory, assisting in aspects of specimen processing in the herbarium and various projects as needed. Activities in specimen processing may include collecting and pressing plants, label making/clean-up, mounting specimens, accessioning, data entry and/or proofreading, filing, and imaging. The student will obtain broad training in herbarium collection work while serving as an active member of the Herbarium and Systematics Laboratory. Soil Ecology Lab (part-time): The Soil Ecology Lab at The Morton Arboretum studies plant-soil interactions in a changing world. We develop new insights into relationships among plants, microbes, and soil and evaluate their collective responses to global and regional environmental changes. The student will participate in a variety of projects in the lab where we study how trees and prairie plants impact soil properties; how plants, fungi, and soils respond to burning; and how to improve urban soils for trees and ecosystem services. This fellowship will expose the student to a mix of field, greenhouse, and lab work. Field work includes plant surveys, biomass collections, and soil sampling; greenhouse work includes harvesting plants for root trait analyses; and lab work includes processing soil samples, analyzing soil nutrient contents, and establishing and maintaining experiments. We seek a student with a desire to learn more about soils and plants to join our supportive and passionate group. Physical Demands and Work Environment for all positions: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals may be necessary. Work Environment: Office environment, Arboretum grounds, field locations, which may include state parks and forest preserves, and/or remote locations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research, hand tools. The Center for Tree Science Integrated Mentorship Program is committed to supporting students and professionals at every stage in their career. As we continue to grow a diverse and inclusive program, flexible work assignments and additional assistance may be available. We encourage applicants from schools with limited research opportunities, groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM programs, first- and second-year undergraduates, students with disabilities, and currently-enrolled veterans. Pay ranges from $15 - $16/hour, depending on education level.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Current enrollment in high school, an Associate, Bachelor’s degree program, with an interest in studying biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. Organization and independent working skills preferred. Willingness and eagerness to learn necessary field, laboratory, and library research skills required. Experience with database, spreadsheet, and statistical/graphics computer programs, and Google applications beneficial. Depending on the position, may require possession of a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.
Success Factors: Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and field environments. Good written and oral communication skills. Clear thought, visual acuity, and manual dexterity needed. Ability to embrace and align with the organization’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.
Responsibilities:
Essential Functions may include:
Provide support to a scientist for the implementation of research and related projects. Assist with data and sample collection, sample processing, data analysis, and record keeping on research and related projects. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform routine lab maintenance by keeping laboratory and field equipment in good working order. May maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse. May voucher and assist with the curation of herbarium specimens. Other duties as assigned.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.):
To apply, individuals will complete the online application form; while encouraged, a resume and cover letter are not required. A brief true/false survey will be sent immediately to confirm interest, followed by a required questionnaire within one week to determine project interest and allow applicants an opportunity to provide additional details. Applications will close at 5pm (Central time) on Friday, September 29, 2023.
To apply, visit https://mortonarb.org/join-support/employment/ The Morton Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer – disability/veteran.
Compensation Range:
$15-$16/hr
Contact Name:
Holly Larson, jobs@mortonarb.org
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