Temporary Summer Research Assistant - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

The Moeller Lab at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is looking for a research assistant for summer 2025 to help with data collected in a large remote-sensing study on terrestrial invasive plants in the Upper Midwest.

The invasive species research group in the Moeller Lab studies the biogeography, ecology, and evolution of invasive plants in the Upper Midwest to try and better predict invasion risk, especially in the face of global climate change. We are currently working on a project on environmental factors that influence the population growth and range expansion of the invasive species leafy spurge. In the project, we use deep learning models to detect populations from satellite imagery and further modeling to determine what environmental factors influence its relative success. In this project, the assistant will help us lead the collection of additional data on population occurrences to help validate deep learning detection models.

Major Responsibilities:
Collecting ground-truthing records: identifying invasive species population in the field and high resolution satellite imagery - 50%
Record-keeping and preliminary analysis - 30%
Other minor duties - 20%

Minimum qualifications:
Interest in plant ecology or evolution;
Valid driver's license and willingness to drive long distances in rural areas for 3-4 day trips;

Additional desired qualifications:
Familiarity with invasive species field work
Familiarity with biogeography principles and spatial analyses
Familiarity with AI/machine learning/deep learning frameworks
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Software such as Word and Excel;
Coding experience in R.
Work with plant materials in dusty/dirty conditions;
Excellent organizational skills;
Willing and able to lift and carry at least 25 lbs.

Our mission is to conduct fundamental research and provide education in plant and microbial biology.

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB), led by Interim Head Dr. John Ward, comprises a diverse and integrative group of scientists who study the genetics, ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of plants, fungi, and microbes. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare our students for a variety of career paths, including research, education, biotechnology, and environmental policy.

The College of Biological Sciences Conservatory and Botanical Collection is run by the department. With more than 1,200 species from around the world organized into five biomes, the Conservatory is home to the most diverse collection of plants in the region.

Affiliated research and outreach facilities include the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, the BioTechnology Institute, the Biotechnology Resource Center, the University of Minnesota Genomics Center, the Biological Imaging Centers, the University of Minnesota Herbarium of the J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History, Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories, and Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.

Pay Range: $15.50-$17.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).