at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The Research Technician Fellowship is intended to welcome undergraduate and high school students over the age of 16 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. To apply, individuals will complete the online application form; while encouraged, a resume and cover letter are not required. A brief true/false survey will be sent immediately to confirm interest, followed by a required questionnaire within one week to determine project interest and allow applicants an opportunity to provide additional details. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Project descriptions:
Herbarium and Plant Systematics (part-time, Sept 2024 - May 2025):The Morton Arboretum Herbarium houses more than 190,000 dried plant specimens and 18,000 lichens, many from Illinois and Missouri. Research being conducted in the Herbarium and Plant Systematics Lab focuses on the diversification and evolution of plant lineages. It employs the tools of molecular phylogenetics, phylogenomics, morphometrics, population genetics, and field ecology to address basic questions about patterns of plant biodiversity: How many species are there? How are they delimited and identified? How are they related and how strong are the barriers to gene flow between species?
The student will join the Morton Arboretum's Herbarium and Plant Systematics Laboratory, assisting in aspects of specimen processing in the herbarium and various projects as needed. Activities in specimen processing may include collecting and pressing plants, label making/clean-up, mounting specimens, accessioning, data entry and/or proofreading, filing, and imaging. The student will obtain broad training in herbarium collection work while serving as an active member of the Herbarium and Systematics Laboratory.
Forest Ecology Lab (part-time, Sept 2024 - May 2025): Trees at The Morton Arboretum record and preserve decades to centuries of information on growth responses to environmental conditions in their annual rings. In collaboration with the Herbarium, we are forming a formal archival collection of wood cross-sections so that comparative research on growth trends and wood anatomy can be performed while leveraging the wealth of information and extended records (e.g. Herbarium, BRAHMS) that is truly unique to The Morton Arboretum. Student interns will assist with the full cycle of collections development and curation, including specimen cataloging, sample preparation, dendrochronological analysis, and digitization.
Special considerations: Interns must be comfortable lifting 30+ lbs assisted (15 lbs unassisted) and with the use of power tools, including belt sanders and potentially saws (after training). Applicants do not need to know how to use these tools already, but must not be afraid to learn. Applicants must also be able to wear an N95 mask respirator and pass a respirator physical.
Root Biology Lab (part-time, Sept 2024 - May 2025): Trees are complex organisms that must integrate strategies for growth and stress tolerance both above- and below-ground. It is this below-ground component that is least understood and work in our group focuses on below-ground ecology and linking root and fungal processes whole-tree success in unmanaged as well as urban ecosystems. We use a diverse set of tools and approaches to do this. As such, the successful candidate should be comfortable with field-, lab-, and computer-based work.
The exact responsibilities of the candidate will vary over time, but will likely include assisting with field work to monitor leaf, stem, root, and soil fungal growth as well as lab work processing soil samples and extracting DNA, and computer-based work analyzing patterns of fungal growth over time. The balance of time with each component will depend partly on the candidate's interests and learning goals, but will certainly include exposure to multiple research tools and techniques. Specific techniques can be learned on the job but the candidate must be willing and excited to engage in new experiences and training.
Essential Functions may include:
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 relatedprojects.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform routine lab maintenance by keepinglaboratory and field equipment in good working order.
May maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse.
May voucher and assist with the curation of herbarium specimens.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Current enrollment in high school, an Associate or Bachelor's degree program, with an interest in studying biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. Must be over the... For full info follow application link.
