Assistant Researcher

University of Kansas
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
Mar 25, 2025
Position Overview The Johnson lab within the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas is recruiting an Assistant Researcher to support research in plant ecophysiology. The Johnson lab focuses on questions related to photosynthesis and respiration, ranging from how these processes work at a molecular level to how to monitor their aggregate global activity. We develop new instrumentation and methods, conduct both laboratory- and field-based studies, and use mathematical modeling for synthesis. The responsibilities for this position combine (1) general laboratory support, ranging from purchasing, to maintenance of instruments and equipment, to recordkeeping, and (2) technical research support, including both independent and collaborative execution of experiments. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in plant ecophysiology; enthusiasm for learning new techniques for environmental, ecophysiological, and biochemical measurements; and the problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills required to successfully execute research projects. The start date for this position is between April 1 and June 1, 2025. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and funding. This is a regular unclassified professional staff position with a salary range of $36,000 to $44,000, depending on qualifications, and comprehensive benefits. Job Description 70% - Provide technical research support to individual projects. This is the larger component of the position, and it will include involvement in all phases of execution of projects, such as: plant propagation under controlled conditions and/or collection of plant samples in the field; characterization of environmental conditions in the lab and/or field; characterization of photosynthetic performance at the chloroplast, leaf, plant, or ecosystem level; characterization of photosynthetic pigments and proteins, at corresponding scales; maintenance of detailed project records; and analysis, visualization, and communication of research results. 30% - Contribute to general laboratory support functions. This is the smaller component of the position but it will include a wide range of activities, such as: purchasing and receiving supplies, coordinating shipments of samples, installing and setting up equipment, performing routine maintenance and minor repairs on instruments, assisting with environmental health and safety compliance, and contributing to laboratory recordkeeping. Position Requirements This position will be fully on-site in the Johnson lab at Room 6002, Haworth Hall, Lawrence, KS. Required Qualifications A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of the Biological Sciences or Earth Sciences, awarded before the time of starting the position. Experience in plant ecophysiology and the role of physiological processes in the Earth system, as evidenced by previous educational and/or professional experiences. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills, as evidenced in application materials. Preferred Qualifications Experience with and/or interest in learning to work with dataloggers and environmental sensors,as well as instrumentation for chlorophyll fluorescence and trace gas measurements, as demonstrated in application materials. Experience with and/or interest in learning techniques for quantitative analysis of photosynthetic pigments and proteins, such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, as demonstrated in application materials. Experience with and/or interest in periodic regional, national, and international travel to collaborating laboratories and/or to field sites in support of research projects, as demonstrated in application materials. Additional Candidate Instructions To apply, please submit: A cover letter Curriculum vitae Contact details for three professional references. The cover letter should explain your interest in and qualifications for the position, as well as how you envision this position contributing to your overarching educational and professional goals. The review of applications will begin Thursday April 3, 2025 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is identified. Contact Information to Applicants For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Johnson (jejohnson@ku.edu). Advertised Salary Range $36,000 to $44,000 Application Review Begins Thursday April 3, 2025 Anticipated Start Date Monday April 14, 2025