Research Opportunities
RESEARCH ASSISTANT FOR UNDERSTORY FOREST WILDFLOWER RESTORATION AND SEED DISPERSAL PROJECTS
Description:
The research assistant will work collaboratively as a part of a team on multiple projects including how to best restore understory forest wildflower communities, including in the context of seed dispersal (by ants) in northeastern deciduous forests. The main project is working to design best practices and measuring the success of understory plant restoration and includes outreach and a collaboration with New York State Parks. Ants disperse forest wildflower seeds, and the assistant may also help on related projects examining how anthropogenic change (land use, climate change) affects seed dispersal. The base of operations will be in the Prior lab at 黑料视频. Throughout the summer, there will be day trips to field sites in Binghamton and Ithaca, NY (all within an hour drive from campus), including work at the Nature Preserve. There may also be an option for multi-day trips to various field sites in New Jersey, New York City, and neighboring states.
Duties: Fieldwork will include plant care, planting, measuring restoration success, measuring ant colony distribution and seed dispersal, collecting ant colonies and seeds, using GPS and collecting microhabitat variables and other metrics. Lab tasks may include preparing field equipment and collection supplies, data entry and processing, measuring ant traits, pinning insects, ant colony maintenance, assisting with behavioral trials, and performing general experimental upkeep. The assistant will also help with creating and designing materials for outreach efforts and events. Given the nature of conducting time-sensitive surveys and experiments and the logistics of traveling to several regions, the work schedule will be flexible, and work hours will depend on when tasks need to be completed and on weather conditions. Thus, the candidate should be able to work on a flexible schedule (i.e., not always sticking to a strict Monday to Friday, 9-5 schedule). The candidate must like and is comfortable spending time outdoors, be excited about field work and ecology, be comfortable hiking long distances in forests, be able to drive and travel in a vehicle, work well in a team, be flexible, and be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging field conditions.
Ideal work dates are from late April to July 31st, but dates can be somewhat flexible. Ideally, the candidate will be able to meet prior to the start date to discuss plans and prepare for the field season.
Qualifications: 1) Major/background in Biological Studies, Environmental Studies, or related fields. 2) Previous lab or field experience (experience working in the field is a plus, but not a requirement). 3) Have a keen interest in ecology & evolution, botany, or entomology, outreach efforts. 4) Be mature, highly responsible, flexible, dedicated, and motivated. 5) Be able to work well as a part of a team. 6) Be willing and able to work irregular hours outdoors. 7) Be able to hike long distances through a forest. 8) Live in the greater Binghamton Area for the summer. Housing is not covered by the position.
To apply, send (1) a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and listing your relevant qualifications; (2) a CV or resume; (3) the names and contact information (email and phone number) of three references. Email the document as a single PDF file (file name should include your “last name, first name”) to Rosebelle Ines (rines1@binghamton.edu) with “Forest restoration research assistant position” in the subject line. We will review applications promptly – please apply by April 18th for full consideration.
Faculty Advisor: Kirsten Prior, Associate Professor
Academic Department: Biological Sciences
Website: www.priorecologylab.com
Classification: Paid
Position Availability:
- Spring
- Summer
Level(s):
- Sophomore
- Junior
- Senior
Appropriate Major(s):
- All Majors
Minimum GPA (if applicable): 3.0
Pre-requisite coursework/experience: (see the description)
Application Deadline: April 18th, 2025
Application Procedure:
To apply, send (1) a cover letter (2) a CV or resume; (3) the names and email and phone number of three references. (See Description for full instructions)
RESEARCH ASSISTANT FOR UNDERSTORY FOREST WILDFLOWER RESTORATION AND SEED DISPERSAL PROJECTS
Description:
The research assistant will work collaboratively as a part of a team on multiple projects including how to best restore understory forest wildflower communities, including in the context of seed dispersal (by ants) in northeastern deciduous forests. The main project is working to design best practices and measuring the success of understory plant restoration and includes outreach and a collaboration with New York State Parks. Ants disperse forest wildflower seeds, and the assistant may also help on related projects examining how anthropogenic change (land use, climate change) affects seed dispersal. The base of operations will be in the Prior lab at 黑料视频. Throughout the summer, there will be day trips to field sites in Binghamton and Ithaca, NY (all within an hour drive from campus), including work at the Nature Preserve. There may also be an option for multi-day trips to various field sites in New Jersey, New York City, and neighboring states.
Duties: Fieldwork will include plant care, planting, measuring restoration success, measuring ant colony distribution and seed dispersal, collecting ant colonies and seeds, using GPS and collecting microhabitat variables and other metrics. Lab tasks may include preparing field equipment and collection supplies, data entry and processing, measuring ant traits, pinning insects, ant colony maintenance, assisting with behavioral trials, and performing general experimental upkeep. The assistant will also help with creating and designing materials for outreach efforts and events. Given the nature of conducting time-sensitive surveys and experiments and the logistics of traveling to several regions, the work schedule will be flexible, and work hours will depend on when tasks need to be completed and on weather conditions. Thus, the candidate should be able to work on a flexible schedule (i.e., not always sticking to a strict Monday to Friday, 9-5 schedule). The candidate must like and is comfortable spending time outdoors, be excited about field work and ecology, be comfortable hiking long distances in forests, be able to drive and travel in a vehicle, work well in a team, be flexible, and be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging field conditions.
Ideal work dates are from late April to July 31st, but dates can be somewhat flexible. Ideally, the candidate will be able to meet prior to the start date to discuss plans and prepare for the field season.
Qualifications: 1) Major/background in Biological Studies, Environmental Studies, or related fields. 2) Previous lab or field experience (experience working in the field is a plus, but not a requirement). 3) Have a keen interest in ecology & evolution, botany, or entomology, outreach efforts. 4) Be mature, highly responsible, flexible, dedicated, and motivated. 5) Be able to work well as a part of a team. 6) Be willing and able to work irregular hours outdoors. 7) Be able to hike long distances through a forest. 8) Live in the greater Binghamton Area for the summer. Housing is not covered by the position.
To apply, send (1) a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and listing your relevant qualifications; (2) a CV or resume; (3) the names and contact information (email and phone number) of three references. Email the document as a single PDF file (file name should include your “last name, first name”) to Rosebelle Ines (rines1@binghamton.edu) with “Forest restoration research assistant position” in the subject line. We will review applications promptly – please apply by April 18th for full consideration.
Faculty Advisor: Kirsten Prior, Associate Professor
Academic Department: Biological Sciences
Website: www.priorecologylab.com
Classification: Paid
Position Availability:
- Spring
- Summer
Level(s):
- Sophomore
- Junior
- Senior
Appropriate Major(s):
- All Majors
Minimum GPA (if applicable): 3.0
Pre-requisite coursework/experience: (see the description)
Application Deadline: April 18th, 2025
Application Procedure:
To apply, send (1) a cover letter (2) a CV or resume; (3) the names and email and phone number of three references. (See Description for full instructions)