Student Plant and Microbial Ecology Research Assistant – Greenhouse Job Lawrence area,Kansas USA,Research/Development

Position Overview

The student will work closely with technicians, graduate students, and postdocs in the Bever/Schultz lab to assist in plant and microbial ecology research. During the summer the student will contribute to multiple greenhouse experiments by performing a variety of greenhouse and lab tasks, such as maintaining and measuring plants, harvesting greenhouse plants, and experimental cleanup. There is opportunity to stay with the lab into the Fall semester to assist with general laboratory and greenhouse tasks.

The ideal student will work near full time in the summer and work varying hours during the spring/fall semesters based on availability and the lab’s research needs.

Job Description

40% – Maintaining and measuring greenhouse plants (e.g., plant height and pest control).
30% – Harvesting and processing plants from greenhouse experiments (e.g., root washing and weighing).
10% – Experimental set up and clean up (e.g., washing pots and sterilizing equipment).
10% – Aiding in laboratory processing (e.g., staining and mounting roots for microscopy, spore extraction, and other microbial methods).
10% – Entering data and helping with field work.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in ecology of plants and microbes, botany, or related field, as stated and evidenced by application materials.

Detail oriented with great time management skills as evidenced by application materials.

Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently as evidenced by application materials.

Demonstrated willingness and ability to work in a greenhouse environment during hot summer months as stated and evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework in biology, ecology, environmental science or related subjects.

Experience working or doing strenuous physical activity indoors and outdoors.

Experience with growing plants in greenhouses.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre‑enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester.

Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments.

Employment Conditions

Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by unit leadership and HR.

This is an hourly/non‑exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non‑exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application consists of the online application, cover letter, and resume. Only complete applications will be considered. To ensure consideration apply before the application review starts on Monday, 4/20/2026. A review of applications will continue and is ongoing until a pool of qualified candidates is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Ashley Bowman
ashley.wojciechowski

Advertised Salary Range

$15/hr

Anticipated Start Date

Monday May 4, 2026

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