NRES Career Information
Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

  • Field Research Specialist, NRES (Urbana, IL; due Sept. 7)

    Aug 25, 2021 10:45 am by Susan HelminkJobs

    Position Website with Application Information

     

    Primary Position Function/Summary:

    Conduct field work and laboratory experiments; collect and process soil samples; supervise undergraduate researchers, support other lab activities.                                               

     

    Major Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Major responsibilities in the field include the following: collect plant, soil, and rhizosphere samples for microbial analysis and laboratory experiments.
    • Major responsibilities in the laboratory include the following: organizing and processing soil samples; extracting DNA; submitting samples for DNA sequencing and qPCR; preparing reagents; conducting microbial activity assays; supervising undergraduate students assisting with this project (including training and assigning work and tracking work performance and deliverables); and purchasing and receiving chemicals and scientific supplies related to this project.
    • In addition, the candidate will assist with data compilation, project reports, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

     

    Required Education, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

     

    Education Required – Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field is required

     

    Education Preferred – MS degree in biology, environmental science, or related field is preferred.

     

    Experience Required –

    Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to microbial ecology or plant and soil science.

     

    Experience Preferred –

    1. Ability to plan and coordinate research activities
    2. Ability to carry out bioinformatics workflow and statistical analyses typical for microbial ecology analyses.
    3. Experience carrying out statistical analyses in the R statistical environment.

     

    Training, Licenses or Certifications – Valid driver’s license

     

    Knowledge, Skills, and Ability – Required

    1. Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel)
    2. Ability to travel to research sites in Illinois

     

    Knowledge, Skills, and Ability – Preferred

    1. Ability to work in a large collaborative team environment.
    2. Ability to work long days in the field under hot and humid conditions.
    3. Strong organizational skills.
    4. Understanding of microbial ecology bioinformatics workflows and statistical analyses typical for microbial ecology.
    5. Ability to carry out statistical analyses in the R statistical environment.
    6. Experience with databases (Filemaker Pro) and data management.