The Geber lab at Cornell University seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented assistant for summer 2017 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.
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 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, 2017. The exact end date of the position in late 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, 2017. 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) contact information for two references. 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! http://blogs.cornell.edu/geberlab/ Email to: Monica Geber, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology m...@cornell.edu