Job Summary
The Auburn University Bee Lab is seeking a highly motivated individual to provide professional research and extension assistance on activities related to insect pollinators, especially native bees. This is a multi-year project; however, the contract is for one year with the possibility of annual extensions depending on the performance of the successful candidate and the availability of funding. Questions concerning the position should be directed to Dr. Anthony Abbate ([email protected]); please include ‘Insect Pollinator Technician – Lead’ in the subject header.

NOTE: This position is for a Lead Technician who will be the primary person responsible for the day-to-day activities of the team.

The University: Classified as a Carnegie R1 university, Auburn University is a public flagship land-grant institution with a student enrollment of more than 30,000. The University provides instruction in approximately 70 academic departments and performs graduate research and public service across a variety of program areas. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama, within 2 hours of the metropolitan areas of Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA, as well as within 4 hours of scenic escapes like the southern Appalachians and the Gulf of Mexico. Auburn has been frequently included in U.S. News’ Best Places to Live in America, and it is Alabama’s fastest growing metropolitan area.

The Department: The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is administered by the University’s historic College of Agriculture. It houses over 20 faculty, 5 support staff, and more than 50 graduate students, all of whom work towards executing the University’s research, instruction, and extension missions. Additional information can be found at http://enpp.auburn.edu.

The Laboratory: Auburn University’s Native Bee Lab currently consists of two graduate students supported by one faculty member, one laboratory manager, three technicians, and multiple undergraduate students and local stakeholders. Alongside our collaborators from across the globe, the Auburn University Native Bee Lab team works toward promoting the health of bees through various research, instruction, and extension activities.

Essential Functions
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Managing and scheduling technicians and undergraduate students.
Managing/assisting with multiple projects with disparate requirements at times.
Troubleshooting various issues that may arise.
Assisting with projects for research and extension purposes.
Conducting and assisting with laboratory and field experiments, sometimes in remote/harsh environments; ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Organizing materials, equipment, activities, and events independently and with other lab members.
Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Communicating to stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Research Assistant I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Entomology, Biology, or related natural or social sciences field; no experience required.

Research Assistant II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Entomology, Biology, or related natural or social sciences field and 2 years of experience working with insect pollinators and their habitat (e.g., insect and plant identification), including assisting with scientific experiments (e.g., data collection in the lab and field).

Research Assistant III: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Entomology, Biology, or related natural or social sciences field and 4 years of experience working with insect pollinators and their habitat (e.g., insect and plant identification), including assisting with scientific experiments (e.g., data collection in the lab and field).

Research Assistant IV: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Entomology, Biology, or related natural or social sciences field and 6 years of experience working with insect pollinators and their habitat (e.g., insect and plant identification), including assisting with scientific experiments (e.g., data collection in the lab and field).

Indicated education is required. No substitutions allowed.

*Substitutions Allowed for Experience:
When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications
Minimum Skills and Abilities
Knowledge and experience concerning insect pollinators and their habitat (e.g., insect and plant identification), assisting with scientific experiments (e.g., data collection in the lab and field), and communicating with a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, scientists, landowners, and other agricultural producers (e.g., at workshops and field days) are required. Strong leadership and organizing skills are essential to lead the day-to-day activities. The individual selected for the position must be a self-starter capable of timely follow up and direct communication. Effective management of large amounts of data is also required.