Research Technician Fellowship

The Morton Arboretum•Lisle, IL

10d•$20•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Technician Fellowship is intended to welcome undergraduate students 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. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. The Morton Arboretum is committed to supporting students and professionals at every stage in their career and is growing a vibrant and innovative scientific community. Flexible work assignments may be available. Pay is $20/hour for this position. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package. The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.

Requirements

Current enrollment in an Associate or Bachelor’s degree program, with an interest in studying biology, environmental sciences, or a related field.
Must be over the age of 16.
Willingness and eagerness to learn necessary field, laboratory, and library research skills required.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and field environments.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Clear thought, visual acuity, and manual dexterity needed.
Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs. assisted).
Use of chemicals may be necessary.

Nice To Haves

No experience is necessary.
Organization and independent working skills preferred.
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.

Responsibilities

Assist in laboratory and/or field operations under close supervision.
Primarily focus on database migration to incorporate wood specimen information into the master Herbarium database (BRAHMS).
Assist with the full cycle of collections development and curation, including specimen cataloging, sample preparation, and digitization.
Contribute to research focused on the identification, characterization, and ecology of plant pathogens, fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, and other organisms that influence plant health.
Collect plant and soil samples, isolate and culture fungi and oomycetes, extract and enumerate nematodes, prepare laboratory materials and culture media, use microscopes to observe and quantify organisms, maintain accurate research records, and assist with ongoing laboratory and field research projects.
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.
Maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse.
Voucher and assist with the curation of herbarium specimens.
Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
Other duties as assigned.