at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, United States
Job Description
A cross-disciplinary team led by The Morton Arboretum is developing tools and resources to improve the drought resilience of urban forests. Through funding from theNOAA NIDIS program, we are looking to hire a term-limit (12-month) research assistant to assist with multiple aspects of the project, including synthesis and dissemination of species drought tolerance information and/or development of tools for remote-sensing-based drought monitoring, forecasting, and dissemination. This project involves partnerships outside of the scientific research community, putting science directly into the hands of those who can create action and change.
Position Summary: Coordinate laboratory, field, and/or office operations for research programs in the Center for Tree Science, a global hub of research and expertise focused on trees. Participate in and lead research projects by performing assigned research experiments and activities, and managing necessary equipment and supplies.
Essential Functions:
Oversee and coordinate research activities in the laboratory, field, and/or office in order to meet assigned research goals of one or more projects. Plan and implement research methods and procedures and adapt and update as necessary to meet short- and long-range project objectives and deadlines.
Perform assigned research activities independently and leadin team settings. Collect, record and analyze results from discipline-specific studies in order to provide clear, well-documented methods and data for research projects.
Maintain and manage materials, equipment, methods, and records of research procedures, including evaluations of data accumulated. Perform purchasing and acquisition of research materials.
Contribute to the preparation and submission of research products, including reports, manuscripts and articles for publication through literature synthesis, data analysis, and/or writing. Lead presentation and communication of findings to internal and external professional and academic peers.
Find and synthesize literature, including peer-reviewed studies, in order to maintain a current knowledge of field of research.
Co-mentor and train temporary employees, students, interns, and/or volunteers, and communicate with external collaborators, including providing constructive feedback.
Establish, document, and implement quality control and safety procedures for assigned laboratory, field, or office research activities.
Independently operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory, field, and/or office instruments and equipment in order to ensure proper functioning, accuracy, and compliance with written specifications. Create and update maintenance documentation as necessary.
Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum's employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred in the specific field of research or a related science field, and 3+ years of related research or work experience required with a demonstrated knowledge of research design,implementation, and analysis and an ability to conduct independent research. In lieu of the degree, 5+ years of equivalent scientific training in a research setting required. Progressive experience with responsibility overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, performing specialized and complex analytical and research techniques, and designing and implementing research studies in an area related to research being performed required. Experience with public dissemination of research findings, such as oral presentations or written peer-reviewed publications preferred. May require software experience specific to the area of research. May be required to possess a valid driver's license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications strongly preferred.
Success Factors: Ability and willingness to work in office, laboratory, and field environments. Self-motivated learner. Ability to solve problems with minimal supervision. Strong written and oral communication skills. Clear thought, visual acuity, and manual dexterity needed.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Physical Demands: May require physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals may be necessary. Some travel required.
Work Environment: Office environment, Arboretum grounds, and off-site locations. Work is performed... For full info follow application link.
