Position Title:
Post Baccalaureate Research Assistant
Bryn Mawr College:
Biology _TEMP
Location:
Bryn Mawr College Campus
Job Description:
The Mozdzer lab at Bryn Mawr College, located in suburban Philadelphia, is searching for a term limited post-baccalaureate research assistant position to begin on or about August 3, 2026. The initial appointment for this grant-funded position is 9 months, with the possibility of an additional 9-month appointment, pending satisfactory performance, and available funding. The research assistant will conduct experiments to evaluate the heritability of plant traits related to ecosystem resilience. In addition, the research assistant will be responsible for maintaining the nearly 600 genotype common garden at Bryn Mawr College, as well as mentoring and/or leading undergraduate students in the measurement of plant traits and decomposition processes. The Research Assistant will gain experience in conducting decomposition experiments, measuring plant traits, and will assist in the day-to-day operations of running the lab including inventory and plant care. There will be opportunities to mentor undergraduate research assistants.
About the Institution: Since its founding in 1885, Bryn Mawr College has been the preeminent college for women interested in the pursuit of wisdom necessary to challenge the world's expectations. With its pioneering American Collegiate Gothic architecture and picturesque landscape, our campus is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country. Located less than 15 miles from Philadelphia, and within 2-3 hours of New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, Bryn Mawr's location offers easy access to public transportation and endless recreation, dining, retail, and cultural activities.
Schedule & Benefits: Bryn Mawr is committed to building and sustaining a campus community where faculty and staff can thrive. The College offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. This full-time, non-exempt position has an anticipated schedule of 35 hours per week (1,365 hours). Benefit highlights for this term-limited research position include vacation (accrued monthly, up to ten days annualized), generous holidays (including an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day), multiple medical plan options, dental, and vision, and more. Waiting periods may apply.
Characteristic Responsibilities:
Conduct decomposition experiments on plant tissue from an established common garden.
Maintain a collection of plants in a large-scale common garden.
Conduct measurements on plant traits in the large-scale common garden.
Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using appropriate quantitative and computational methods.
Prepare data, figures, and documentation for manuscripts, presentations, and publication.
Assist with day-to-day operations of the laboratory and common garden, including maintaining inventories, ordering supplies, and ensuring well-organized lab environments.
Perform routine plant care and ensure compliance with laboratory and institutional protocols.
Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records and lab notebooks.
Collaborate with the principal investigator and other lab members on ongoing research projects.
Mentor and provide guidance to undergraduate research assistants, including training in experimental techniques and best lab practices.
Participate in lab meetings and contribute to discussions on experimental designs, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
BS or BA in Biology, Ecology, or a related field.
Prior laboratory experience in a research setting.
Successful completion of satisfactory background checks.
The candidate must possess a valid US driver's license with acceptable driving record to operate Bryn Mawr College vehicles.
Must be capable of rigorous and extended outdoor activity (e.g. lifting, bending, kneeling, walking, carrying/moving heavy equipment and plants).
Must be able to walk across campus several times per day, work outdoors (at times in inclement weather and exposed to standard outdoor hazards, e.g. insects, ticks, poison ivy, etc.), while performing tasks on uneven terrain.
Preferred Qualifications:
Data analysis and basic programming experience (e.g., R).
Experience in measuring leaf level photosynthetic rates using a LI-COR LI-6800.
Experience preparing samples for elemental analysis, and/or experience running an elemental analyzer, and/or the ability to learn.
Experience measuring plant functional traits.
Experience maintaining a common garden.
Demonstrated skills in data organization, analysis, and report writing preferred.
To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter briefly describing your research experience and future career goals; 2) resume or CV; and 3) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button. Please contact Thomas Mozdzer with any questions about the position: tmozdzer@brynmawr.edu.
Weekly Hours:
26.25