Department: Biology
Immediate Supervisor: Dr. Jonathan Fitzgerald
Supervisor Email: fitzgeraldj@rhodes.edu
Number of Student Associates in Position: 1
General Description of Position:
We are seeking a student who would be responsible for plant care and maintenance. This associate would have the opportunity to learn about modern greenhouse systems, controlled growth environments and experimental protocols in addition to the growing of plants. Another part of their job would be to research the basic care and growth of plants needed for classes, maintain certain teaching stocks and beta-testing lab protocols when the need arises. Depending on student interest, we could additionally involve them in ongoing research activities. Some of the projects on the horizon include establishing whole genome mapping populations, characterizing new model species and genetic manipulations.
Currently, there is a global emphasis on climate change, sustainable farming initiatives and biofuels. Therefore, having state-of-the art plant facilities is a great boon to any college campus, allowing for advances in both student learning and campus research on these initiatives that otherwise are not available. Having a central position to coordinate these activities is essential to the success of these activities and to ensure that growth conditions are optimized, and facilities are properly maintained. This ensures that even faculty with less plant experience can incorporate plants in their classes. Further, an active plant facility provides an attractive feature on campus for recruitment.
Specific responsibilities of the PG Specialist will include:
- Care of plants in the Greenhouse and Plant Growth rooms
- Monitoring conditions in plant facilities
- Organization of plant facilities
- Researching and implementing the care of new plants introduced for classes or other projects
- Testing/developing protocols for use of plants in department
- Organizing the Greenhouse window display.
There is also a 10% discovery time that the PG Specialist can use to pursue their own interests using these facilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants should have had some high school or college classwork that touched upon the basics of plant biology, or experience with growing and maintaining plants (including clubs and hobbies). Applicants should also have good organizational skills and be able to keep a detailed notebook. All other training will be provided.
Preferred Qualifications:
Students who desire to pursue a plant-related career or graduate program could greatly benefit from this position.
Physical Demands:
May require occasional lifting or moving of 25-50 pound soil bags.