Biological Science Technician (Bees and Crop Pollination): Michigan 3 Field Assistant Positions at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Duration: May 1 – August 30, 2018, with potential for earlier start and later end dates depending on project needs and employee availability. Seasonal Full Time: 40 hours/week, $11.00/hour Description: The Isaacs Lab at Michigan State University (www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu) is seeking to fill multiple positions for pollinator research projects for the 2018 field season. We seek field and laboratory assistants for projects investigating the factors affecting pollinator health in Michigan. The majority of the work will be fieldwork, but these positions will also include laboratory work for sample processing, data entry, etc. Daily tasks include: travel to field sites in a university vehicle (travel time is paid), visual pollinator observations, wildflower plant surveys, pollination experiments, netting bees and other insects, weed management, data entry, and labeling and curating bee specimens. Overnight stays at the MSU field research stations during sampling rounds are possible (accommodations at the field station are covered). Projects: 1) Great Lakes Pollinator Health Project – The aims of this project are to investigate long term population trends in Michigan bees, as well as identify underlying causes of managed pollinator decline. 2) Bumble bee foraging project – The aims of this project are to determine how bumble bees use the landscape when foraging for resources, and how habitat restoration influences colony dynamics in managed landscapes. Michigan State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer, and we especially encourage applications from minority and underrepresented groups. Required Qualifications: Interest in field research in entomology, botany, conservation biology, field ecology; Valid U.S. driver’s license, with a good driving record, and willingness to share driving responsibilities; Ability to work outside for long periods of time in a variety of weather conditions; Attention to detail and protocols; Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Desired Skills: Experience with insect collection and identification; Curation of specimens; Plant identification (especially wildflowers); Beekeeping; Molecular work; Lifting equipment up to 40 pounds; Pollen identification; Experience with data entry and analysis in Excel, and R; Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people, including scientists, land owners, and agricultural producers. To apply, please send: 1) a cover letter describing relevant research experience and primary interests, 2) your resume/curriculum vitae, and 3) the names and email addresses of three references. Send as one PDF to Kelsey Graham ([email protected]) by February 28, 2018 with “MSU Bee Field Technician” in the subject line.
