Research Assistant

Utah State University; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Utah State University’s Department of Biology seeks a part-time Research Assistant to support the Robinson Lab’s study of plant–insect interactions in rubber rabbitbrush gardens near Flagstaff, AZ. The position involves field data collection and lab coordination, with a pay rate of at least $40 per hour depending on experience.

The ideal candidate has field botany or plant ecology background, familiarity with floral morphology, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather.

Qualifications

• Experience in field botany or plant ecology.
• Familiarity with floral morphology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct weekly field visits to collect ecological data on native plants, including size, mortality, flowering time, and plant traits.

Skills

Field botany

Plant ecology

Floral morphology

Job description

Overview

USU’s Department of Biology seeks applications for a part-time, hourly Research Assistant to support the Robinson Lab with its research on the ecological and evolutionary drivers of plant-insect interactions. The Robinson Lab seeks experienced field botany or plant ecology candidates for the Research Assistant position to support it's research on common gardens of rubber rabbitbrush, Ericameria nauseosa, a plant native to the Western United states with key ecological roles. These common gardens allow identification of the trait-based drivers of plant-insect interactions, and the genetic vs. environmental underpinnings of those traits.

The site of work is a single location 30 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona at Blue Chute, a research property maintained by Northern Arizona University.

Responsibilities

Conduct weekly field visits to collect ecological data on native plants from field experiments, including size, plant mortality, flowering time, and measurement of plant traits and insect communities.

Qualifications

• Experience in field botany or plant ecology
• Familiarity with floral morphology.

Advertised Salary

Minimum $40/hour, commensurate with experience

ADA

Employees work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold. This position requires moderate physical effort. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position, including lifting up to 25 pounds, walking and standing for extended periods. Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land‑grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student‑athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.Additionally,USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at [phone] [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[e-mail]

[phone]

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [e-mail]

*updated 08/2026