Research Assistant I Lab | Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences - Military Veterans

Job Summary The Taylor Lab at Harvard University works to understand how terrestrial ecosystems respond to global change and what these responses mean for the future of terrestrial carbon capture. We are seeking a Research Assistant to work on a grant-funded project assessing how temperate forest trees respond to elevated levels of carbon dioxide, warming temperatures, and increased drought stress. This position will be the primary hands-on personnel for this project and report directly to the Principle Investigator, Dr. Benton Taylor. Position Description Performs a variety of tasks required to set up and maintain the Forest Responses to Atmospheric CO2, Warming, and Drought (FORWARD) experiment at the Harvard Forest, which consists of CO2 enrichment, warming, and rainfall exclusion experimental infrastructure. These tasks will include building experimental infrastructure, testing monitoring equipment, planting and caring for tree seedlings in the experiment, taking and curating data for the experiment, and interfacing with lab and Harvard Forest staff. May perform tasks related to the research project independently, but within specific guidelines and subject to review by supervisor or other research staff. Typical Duties 1. Constructs experimental infrastructure to manipulate and regulate CO2, temperature, and rainfall to experimental plots; 2. Constructs monitoring and sampling equipment for deployment at the field site; 3. Leads the planting and care for hundreds of tree seedlings in the experiment. 4. Takes data on traits such as plant biomass, fine roots, nitrogen fixation, and soil chemistry, often under the strenuous conditions presented by working in forests; 5. Under direction, processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms; 6. As a member of a project team, may assist in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols; 7. May perform routine logging and/or testing of samples; 8. May occasionally instruct others in basic laboratory techniques; 9. Works to maintain the safe operation of the laboratory environment; 10. Performs related laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies; 11. May process orders or invoices, or undertake other clerical and simple accounting duties under the direction of administrative personnel. Basic Qualifications College background in Biology and at least one year of related work experience. Education may count towards experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills Bachelor's degree preferably in a discipline related to ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry. O ne year of post-college related work experience. Prior work in a terrestrial global change experiment preferred. Experience with light electrical wiring and soldering, experience with light construction, familiarity with at least one coding/programing language, and basic familiarity with plant growing all strongly preferred. Strong organizational and communication skills, including mastery of data management and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Excel, GitHub, etc. Working Conditions This position is based at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA, and the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. Must be able to commute to both locations. Additional Information In order to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension based on funding. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. ***All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. Benefits We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include: Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers. Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date. Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more. Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service. Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools. Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions. Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning. Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more. Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston. Work Format On-Site Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.