Desert Ecology Research Assistant (Field & Lab)

Utah Valley University; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Valley University’s College of Science seeks two hourly undergraduate research assistants to join the Bishop Lab and support ecological research on plant-soil-microbial interactions in desert ecosystems and climate change responses. Work spans field and lab at the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau sites.

You'll conduct field surveys, process soil samples, assist with seed bank studies and DNA/RNA prep, keep records, and participate in multi-day field trips in Utah, including camping in

Qualifications

• Must be a current UVU student.
• Preferred majors include Earth Science, Environmental Science, Biology or related field.
• Able to travel for multi-day fieldwork and walk several miles over uneven desert terrain with equipment.
• Able to follow and document detailed field and lab protocols with precision, including sterile technique.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys of biocrust, vegetation, and soil surface condition using standardized protocols; install and resurvey rainfall-reduction shelters and control plots.
• Collect and process soil samples for the seed bank study, including seed extraction, germination trials, and seedling identification.
• Process and catalog seed and soil samples from Mojave rodent/fire plots, including sterile storage, swabbing, and preparation for DNA/RNA extraction.
• Assist with rodent sample swabbing and processing during annual rodent surveys as needed.
• Maintain field and lab records, sample logs, and chain-of-custody documentation; enter and check data.
• Prepare field kits, consumables, and samples for shipment to research partners and sequencing labs.
• Participate in multi-day field trips in Utah, including camping in hot, remote conditions.

Skills

Field surveys

Sterile technique

Data entry

Field travel

Education

Undergraduate student

Earth Science / Environmental Science major (preferred)

Job description

Utah Valley University’s College of Science seeks two hourly undergraduate research assistants to join the Bishop Lab and support ecological research on plant-soil-microbial interactions in desert ecosystems and climate change responses. Work spans field and lab at the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau sites.

You'll conduct field surveys, process soil samples, assist with seed bank studies and DNA/RNA prep, keep records, and participate in multi-day field trips in Utah, including camping in