Assistant Researcher

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Johnson lab within the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas is recruiting 1-2 candidates to fill Assistant Researcher positions supporting research in plant ecophysiology. The Johnson lab focuses on questions related to photosynthesis and respiration, ranging from how these processes work at a molecular level to how to monitor their aggregate global activity. We develop new instrumentation and methods, conduct both laboratory- and field-based studies, and use mathematical modeling for synthesis. The responsibilities for this position combine (1) general laboratory support, ranging from purchasing, to maintenance of instruments and equipment, to recordkeeping, and (2) technical research support, including both independent and collaborative execution of experiments. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in plant ecophysiology; enthusiasm for learning new techniques for environmental, ecophysiological, and biochemical measurements; and the problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills required to successfully execute research projects. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and funding. This is a regular unclassified professional staff position with a salary range of $41,800 to $45,800, depending on qualifications, and comprehensive benefits. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who has recently completed a BA or BS degree and is interested in gaining basic research experience in an exciting area that has many practical applications to social, economic, and environmental issues. This position requires the ability and enthusiasm for periodic regional, national, and international travel to collaborating laboratories and/or to field sites in support of research projects.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of the Biological Sciences or Earth Sciences OR a High School Diploma/GED equivalency and 4 years of professional experience.
A strong interest in plant ecophysiology and the role of physiological processes in the Earth system, as evidenced by previous educational and/or professional experiences.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills, as evidenced in application materials.
Experience with and/or interest in learning to work with dataloggers and environmental sensors, as well as instrumentation for chlorophyll fluorescence and trace gas measurements.
Experience with and/or interest in learning techniques for quantitative analysis of photosynthetic pigments and proteins, such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Responsibilities

Contribute to General Laboratory Support Functions: purchasing and receiving supplies, coordinating shipments of samples, installing and setting up equipment, performing routine maintenance and minor repairs on instruments, assisting with environmental health and safety compliance, and contributing to laboratory recordkeeping.
Provide Technical Research Support to Individual Projects: involvement in all phases of execution of research projects, such as: plant propagation under controlled conditions and/or collection of plant samples in the field; characterization of environmental conditions in the lab and/or field; characterization of photosynthetic performance at the chloroplast, leaf, plant, or ecosystem level; characterization of photosynthetic pigments and proteins, at corresponding scales; maintenance of detailed project records; and analysis, visualization, and communication of research results.
Engage in Professional Development Activities: protected time dedicated to an individual’s educational and/or career development, such as identifying and applying to graduate programs and/or fellowships, or identifying and participating in supplemental training activities.