Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Homestead, FL
Internship Part-Time/Full-Time
Mentor: Biology Professor
POSITION SUMMARY
This position is located in Florida international University, Tropical Research and Education Center, and agroecosystems of Miami-Dade County. The mission of the project is to address the complex and multi-faceted interactions between natural and human systems. The general objectives of the work are to identify potential insectary plants and determine how do these aid in biotic pollination and natural pest control of crops grown in South Florida.
This work includes a variety of laboratory assays, as well as field experiments in agricultural areas of South Florida. The field work requires long, often tedious periods of physical labor including walking, squatting, lifting, bending, and carrying 20+ pounds. This position requires basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, scientific methods and the ability to apply knowledge to an analytical situation. Knowledge of, or experience with handling insects is desired but not required. The primary insects of current concern are insects such as bees, wasps, parasitoids, butterflies, and flies. While the primary research duties will consist on plant-arthropod interaction observations, plant maintenance and propagation, insect rearing, data management, and crop damage assessments; the work may also require low magnification microscopy and general laboratory chemistry.
Research assistants will be expected to work 16-25 hours a week, with work days starting near sunrise and other days at sunset. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 12 months and can be extended up to a total of 2 years.
The ideal research assistant will have an interest in applied entomology, biology or be interested in experiencing large scale field research. The applicants should work well independently, and as part of a team, be highly motivated, detail oriented, and be in excellent physical fitness. Transportation to work and housing will not be provided. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to co-author publications based on the level of their involvement on specific research projects. Major Duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.
- Keeps detailed records of experimental data.
- Prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).
- Uses Knowledge of the basic principles of biological sciences (e.g., plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry, etc.) of the research being conducted to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed and samples collected to understand and relate the significance of the results to the objective of the overall research assignment.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education: Student at accredited four-year College or University
Experience: All majors welcomed
Computer Skills: Proficient in all Microsoft Office products
Bachelor’s degree – or coursework and relevant experience – in Entomology, Biology, Ecology, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Botany, Analytical Chemistry or another related field. Relevant experience includes one year of specialized experience directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Position is available immediately.
CONTACT INFO:
Andrea Primoli
Phone: 305-905-1723
Email: asala035@fiu.edu