Home » Research Associate – Invasive Plant Treatment (Student Services Contractor) with U.S. Geological Survey in USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI

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Research Associate – Invasive Plant Treatment (Student Services Contractor) with U.S. Geological Survey in USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI

January 18, 2023

Type of position	Seasonal Student Service Contractor Position open with U.S. Geological Survey open to currently enrolled or recent graduates.
Employer	U.S. Geological Survey
Location	USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI
Salary	$32.47 per hour
Closing date of competition	January 30th, 2023
Date position available	April 1st, 2023
Description of duties	Duration of position: This is a contract position that will begin as early as April 3rd, 2023. The intended duration is April 3rd – October 6th with possible extension dependent on funding. Project: Developing new, sustainable control strategies for an invasive wetland grass (Phragmites australis) Position Description: The student contractor will serve as a Research Associate supporting the ongoing development and advancement of new control strategies for non-native Phragmites. The contractor will be based at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, MI and play a critical support role for USGS research by assisting with a variety of duties that include, but are not limited to: Lead teams implementing field and greenhouse studies that explore the effects of non-toxic treatments on soil microbe and/or fungi communities and Phragmites performance Manage greenhouse operations to support the needs of on-going Phragmites control studies Support testing of treatments that target microbial symbioses interactions and/or genetic pathways to decrease Phragmites invasion success Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team spanning genetics, microbiology, and ecology Assist in creating, updating, and refining various scientific reports and publications Assist with other wetland restoration projects, including post-restoration data analysis in partnership with the USFWS and exploring water level impacts on Phragmites growth, as necessary
Qualifications sought	Education/Experience Requirements: The successful candidate *must* be currently enrolled as a student or must have received a degree within one year prior to beginning the contract. The candidate must have a Master’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field, and an ideal candidate will have: A valid U.S. driver’s license Field experience Experience working with non-native Phragmites or other invasive plant species is preferred Laboratory experience is preferred Strong communication (verbal and written) skills Great attention to detail and desire to learn High motivation and must feel comfortable working both as a member of a team and independently
Application procedure
Submit what	The application deadline is COB January 30th, 2023. To ensure consideration of your application, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and a list of three professional references to Spenser Widin, [email protected]
Submit to	Spenser Widin, [email protected]
Additional Information	Other Details: This contract covers a 6-month period with an anticipated start date of April 1st, 2023. The student contractor cannot receive holiday pay, annual leave, or health care benefits, nor can they receive overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 80 within a two-week period. However, hours in excess of the established 80 per two weeks will be paid at the regular hourly rate. The student will report to the Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, MI, for all duties, unless otherwise specified. Office work will occur in an office equipped with a computer workstation. Moving expenses will not be paid. Lodging will only be provided when in travel status. The successful candidate will be hired as an independent contractor. This is not a government position, and time does not count toward time-in-service.