THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND                   Position (new)

Position Description 

position is limited to 09-26-09 with extension contingent on funding.

TITLE: Research Assistant I

DIVISION: Academic Affairs – (CELS – Biological Sciences)

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator

GRADE: 1

SUPERVISES: Student workers as assigned

BASIC FUNCTION:

Perform field and laboratory research pertaining to various aspects of terrestrial community ecology in Rhode Island and the surrounding areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform fieldwork in hemlock forests located throughout southern New England. Work involves locating, accessing, and censusing organisms living in these forests, deploying and retrieving monitoring equipment. Work also involves setting up and maintaining large-scale manipulative field experiments in these and surrounding areas.

Assist PI(s) in conducting laboratory research on terrestrial invertebrates. Duties include setting up and carrying out small-scale manipulative experimental work, and using dissecting and compound microscopes to assess and count organisms.

Write reports of research results.

Responsible for ordering laboratory supplies as needed. Work with members of the laboratory in the development of new avenues of research.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist in laboratory management by instructing and supervising research activities of undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

Maintain laboratory Web site.

Assist in preparation of grant proposals, articles, and grant progress reports as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, printers, word processing, spreadsheet, and graphing/graphical software; driver’s license valid in the State of Rhode Island.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Individual must be able to perform physically-demanding fieldwork in New England forests in inclement weather. Position involves hiking, occasional light-medium lifting (<30 lbs), and comfort with constructing and maintaining experimental cages, enclosures, etc. in the field.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: Bachelor's degree in life sciences; up to one year of biological research that demonstrates familiarity with experimental design and the ability to identify logistical and technical problems that may arise during the project(s); ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; strong interpersonal skills, with ability to work both independently and in team settings, and to direct the work of others. Must be well-organized, self-motivated, and interested in collaborating with the Principal Investigator on all aspects of the research process. Must possess basic computer skills. May occasionally be asked to provide own transportation to field sites, with some overnight trips. Preferred: Some experience in ecology and entomology.

TO APPLY:

Submit (no emails or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 09-12-08 to:

Salary Range: $23,543-$29,430

Evan L. Preisser, Search Chair
Requisition # 12239
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.