The MN Bee Atlas is hiring a researcher to assist with research related to tunnel-nesting bee biology and conservation. The researcher will be responsible for a variety of lab-based research tasks, including daily checks of growth chamber conditions, capturing insects as they emerge from nests, insect curation and identification, record keeping and data entry. Additionally, the research technician may assist with sample collection and DNA extraction from bee nests. This position requires a high attention to detail and enthusiasm for insect biology. Note: this position works only up to 20 hours a week

Percentage of Responsibilities

-40% Insect curation: pinning and labeling insect specimens, identifying insect specimens
-35% Rearing tunnel-nesting bees in growth chamber: daily checking and maintaining -appropriate conditions in growth chamber, catching live insects
-15% Record keeping and data entry
-5% Sampling bee nests: opening nests, taking samples, preparing samples of nest material for DNA extraction and analysis
-5% General lab tasks: cleaning and organizing"
 

Preferred Qualifications

-Knowledge of and passion for pollinator biology
-Experience with specimen collection and laboratory analysis
-Ability to handle live insects
-High attention to detail
-Ability to complete repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy

Required Qualifications

-BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years; applies knowledge and skill to a recurring task or activity with emphasis typically on precision and timeliness of execution.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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