The Geber lab at Cornell University seeks a highly motivated,
detail-oriented assistant for summer 2019 field research in the Southern
Sierra Nevada (May-July) and lab work in Ithaca, NY (July-August). We are
studying four species of annual plants in the genus Clarkia and their
specialist bee pollinators. Our research focuses on how pollinators may
impact plant species evolution and coexistence. We also study the
population biology of one of the four species throughout its range and have
yearly population censuses to conduct.
Our research sites are located in the Kern River Canyon in Kern County,
California. The lab rents a house on a property where other labs working in
this system are also based in the summer. This field assistant would have a
private bedroom, access to a shared bathroom and a communal kitchen, and
wireless Internet access. Frequent trips are made into town (Lake Isabella
and Kernville) for groceries and other supplies.
Successful applicants are expected to assist in data collection, data
entry, and flower, seed, and bee collection in the field; work in Ithaca
will consist of sample processing and data analysis. The assistant will
work a 39-hour workweek. Weather conditions in the Sierras can be very hot
and dry (100+ degrees F) in the summer, so assistants should be prepared to
work in hot conditions. Applicants must be able to hike up and down steep
hills for up to 1 mile at a time, stoop or kneel for extended periods of
time, and work in proximity to bees and snakes. The work can be very
physically demanding and tiring, and the research team typically collects
data 7 days a week. A good sense of humor and a positive attitude are
essential.
Qualifications:
1) Citizenship and availability: applicants must be US citizens and must be
available to begin working in California as of May 1, 2019. The exact end
date of the position in August is flexible.
2) Education: some undergraduate education in biology, ecology, or related
field, or equivalent experience.
3) Experience: experience with and enthusiasm about working outdoors,
and/or previous field research experience. Previous experience working with
plants, bees, or insects is preferable but not required.
4) Tasks: perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail, daily hiking.
5) Personality: interpersonal skills and willingness to live and work in
close quarters with other researchers in a house.
Compensation: transportation to and from California, a private room with
Internet access in the field house, and pay ($13-$15 an hour depending on
experience) will be provided. Applicants will be responsible for securing
their own housing in Ithaca for July and August.
The deadline for applications is March 1, 2019. Applicants should submit:
1) a short (1 page maximum) cover letter describing their qualifications as
well as future academic and professional goals; 2) a resume or CV outlining
previous work experience and relevant courses (completed or in progress),
extracurricular activities; and 3) two letters of reference. Letters of
reference may be included with the cover letter and resume/CV or emailed
directly by letter writers to the email address below with the applicantขs
name in the subject line of the email.
Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.
Cornell University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
Cornell University and we in the Geber lab have a commitment to support
equality of education and employment opportunity by affirming the value of
diversity. We welcome and encourage scientists of all backgrounds to apply
to work with us! *https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.cornell.edu%2Fgeberlab%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C7d121b1e21784f9f64df08d68043c956%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636837425960679859&sdata=c0XjWMAjQKwxjJONoL8n1KLxnmjSq%2BnJo4TOJQpkeU0%3D&reserved=0
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Email to: Monica Geber, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
mag9@cornell.edu
Kate Eisen <kee39@cornell.edu>