Research Assistant I - Full-time

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit outdoor museum and research institution dedicated to the study, care, and conservation of trees. The Razieh Lab at the Morton Arboretum is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support projects focused on tree diseases and plant pathology. The successful candidate will assist with field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments to study tree pathogens, disease progression, and host-pathogen interactions. Responsibilities include tree planting, pathogen inoculation, disease sampling, molecular and microbiological analyses, data collection, and reporting. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant pathology, tree health, and disease management in an applied research setting.

Location: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle IL (Hybrid)

Position Summary: 

Assist in laboratory, field, and/or office operations for research programs in the Center for Tree Science, a global hub of research and expertise focused on trees. Participate in research projects by performing the assigned experiments and activities.

 

Essential Functions: 

• Assist in research activities in the laboratory, field, and/or office in order to meet assigned research goals. Consult with research supervisor in order to assist in planning for the implementation of new and ongoing scientific studies. 

• Perform assigned research activities independently and in team settings. Collect, record and analyze results in order to provide clear, well-documented methods and data for research projects. 

• Maintain materials, equipment, methods, and records of research procedures, including evaluations and curation of accumulated data. Assist with the purchasing and acquisition of research materials.

• Contribute to research products, including reports, manuscripts, and articles for publication. May present and communicate findings to internal and external professional and academic peers.

• Read and discuss relevant literature, including peer-reviewed studies, in order to maintain a current knowledge of the field of research.

• Provide assistance and guidance to temporary employees, students, and volunteers, and communicate with external collaborators.

• Ensure safety and cleanliness of assigned laboratory, office, and field research sites. 

• Assist in operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory, field, and office instruments and equipment in order to ensure proper functioning, accuracy, and compliance with written specifications. 

• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.

• Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required in the specific field of research; 1+ years of related work experience preferred. In lieu of the degree, 3+ years of equivalent scientific training in a research setting required. Knowledge of and ability to apply ideas and approaches typical of specific fields of research. Experience with standard field, laboratory, and/or analytical research techniques and safety requirements related to research being performed required. Proficiency with written and oral communication to different audiences preferred. May require software or coding experience specific to the area of research. May be required to possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications strongly preferred.

 

Success Factors:

Ability and willingness to work independently in office, laboratory, and field environments. Self-motivated learner. Strong problem-solving skills. Good written and oral communication skills. Clear thought, visual acuity, and manual dexterity needed.

 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: May require physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals may be necessary. Some travel required. 

• Work Environment: Office environment, Arboretum grounds, and off-site lo

• Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research, hand and power tools, Arboretum pick-up truck and/or utility vehicle.

• Schedule: Work may require occasional evenings and weekends.

 

The expected hiring range for this position is annualized at $53,000-$56,000 based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of the final offer. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.

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The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. 

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment. 

 

The Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, Illinois, United States, is a public garden and outdoor museum with a library, herbarium, and program in tree research including the Center for Tree Science. Its grounds, covering 1,700 acres (6.9 square kilometres), include cataloged collections of trees and other living plants, gardens, and restored areas, among which is a restored tallgrass prairie. The living collections include more than 4,100 different plant species. There are more than 200,000 cataloged plants.