Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Apply for Job Job ID361500 LocationDuluth Job FamilySupplemental Employee Full/Part TimePart-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code0001 Employee ClassCivil Service Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job The Department of Biology is seeking and individual that will perform surveys of blueberries and related species (dwarf bilberry, lingonberry) in Northeastern Minnesota to determine their reproductive health and also engage in sampling for genetic health assessment. Reproductive health monitoring - 70%. Travel relatedly to field sites in Northeastern Minnesota, locate pre-existing experimental Vaccinium plots, and collect detailed measurements of plant density, flower, and fruit production. Some site visits will require overnight stays. Genetic sampling - 15%. Collect and process samples for genetic work from field sites. This includes moderate lab work (weighing, labeling). Data entry and record keeping - 15%. Keep meticulous records of all data and observations. The Department of Biology is the hub for fundamental biological sciences at UMD. The department is committed to furthering study of our natural world and have a strong collaborative network to support our students in a wide range of fields, from conservation to biomedical sciences. Our mission includes undergraduate education, research, graduate education, and service. Despite the popularity of wild blueberries and the importance of their close relatives, we know little about the genetic and reproductive health of Minnesota populations. This is a particularly critical gap because each of these species can spread by clonal (vegetative) growth, so populations that appear large and healthy might actually consist of only one genetic individual, meaning there is no genetic diversity. Indeed, previous genetic work on Minnesota lingonberry shows that some populations are dominated by only 2-4 clones. If a population consists of only a few clones, this can have two negative consequences: 1) Lack of genetic diversity to respond to environmental changes (poor genetic health), and 2) Low berry production when most pollen comes from the same clone (poor reproductive health). Both of these consequences can ultimately result in population collapse and species decline. Qualifications Required Qualifications BA/BS degree and 1 year of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience to equal five (5) years. Ability to hike and work outside. Ability to learn to identify plants. Valid driver's license. Ability to travel, including occasional overnight camping. Preferred Qualifications Computer literacy including MS Excel or other spreadsheet program Excellent organizational skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and solve problems GIS experience Experience with experimental design and implementation Experience with genetic data generation and analysis How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue. Overlooki g Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022). The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.