Seasonal Research Assistant: Aquatic Invasive Species DST

Position Title: Seasonal Research Assistant
Department: Biology
Classification: Non-Exempt
FTE: 0.07
Work Schedule: Average of 5hrs/week, not to exceed 20hr in a 2 week pay period. Preferred start date of June 1, 2026 (negotiable). Anticipated end date of December 31, 2026.
Work Location: On Campus
Hourly Rate: $16

The Muthukrishnan Lab f College () in collaboration with researchers at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota seek several part-time research assistants to support an interdisciplinary project focused on developing and evaluating a simulation-based decision support tool (DST) for aquatic invasive plant management. The research assistants will be involved in conducting a literature review to collect data to inform parameterization of the model and will support the logistics and facilitation of stakeholder workshops.

• Conduct a literature review of relevant academic research and publicly available information on the spread rates of aquatic invasive species and the efficacy of different management approaches.
• Assist with the organizational logistics and in person facilitation of stakeholder workshops where participants will be introduced to the decision support tool.

• Reports to the Assistant Professor of Biology.
• This position does not supervise anyone.

• Education:
  • A bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Theoretical Biology, or a related field.

• Awareness of major issues in the management of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota.

• Employment in this position is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check which may include: criminal background checks, reference checks, verification of work history, verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, a motor vehicle check, verification of DOT certification, a credit check, employment eligibility verification, and/or a pre-employment physical. Whether a background check is deemed successfully completed will be at the sole discretion of St.
  
  Olaf College. Please note, St. Olaf College reserves the right to conduct periodic background checks at its sole discretion.

• This position may require you to report early, stay late or work different shifts depending on staffing levels. It may also require you to perform all essential job functions whenever needed and during campus emergencies when necessary.
• This job description is for general information purposes.
  
  It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.
  
  This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.
• Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.