Research Assistant (Part-Time Temporary) Miller Lab

The Miller Laboratory at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has an opportunity for two part-time, seasonal Research Assistant positions for summer 2025. Research in the Miller lab focuses on integrating diverse phenotyping approaches, genetics and statistical modeling to advance understanding of perennial plant diversity and evolution, and to optimize and expedite perennial crop development, with the goal of developing more sustainable agricultural systems. One of the positions will be part of the larger New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute, a multi-institution research project investigating relationships between plant traits, plant communities, and the soil ecosphere to restore natural and agricultural ecosystems. A second position will focus on grapevine research and vineyard maintenance. More information about the Miller Lab and the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute can be found on our websites. The positions will be for up to 29 hours/week with a flexible start date ideally in March 2025 and a flexible ending date ideally in late August 2025.

Responsibilities:

• Image plants in the field.
• Assist the research team in planting, harvesting, weeding, preparing seeds, maintaining field plots, tissue sampling, digging roots and other similar activities.
• Care and management of plants in greenhouses/growth chambers.
• Harvest, clean, and process samples.
• Collect and analyze image data.
• Enter and organize data.
• Assist with data generation computational pipelines and statistical analysis.
• Other tasks as needed, including general laboratory upkeep.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Experience with field research and data collection
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to shovel and lift moderate to heavy weights
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a biology, botany, agriculture, or a related field undergraduate degree program
• Strong interest in plant science

Submission:

• Cover letter describing interest in the position, field and lab based research experience, and skills
• Resume or CV
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:

Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact Human Resources, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance.