What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate in Apiculture position at Kentucky State University?
TITLE: Research Associate in Apiculture
DEPARTMENT: Land Grant Program
REPORTS TO: Associate Pro, Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of an Associate Professor and in collaboration with a Senior Research Associate, the Research Associate in Honey Bee Health will be a member of a laboratory focused on investigating biotic and abiotic environmental stressors that affect honey bees. As part of this role, the hire will primarily be responsible for maintaining honey bee colonies, conducting apiculture trials in the field and in cages, and assist the Senior Associate in wet lab experiments using molecular and omics technologies.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Execute honey bee field trials.
- Conduct honey bee caged trials in laboratory settings.
- Collect trial data.
- Maintain detailed data in the appropriate spreadsheet layout.
- Maintain a laboratory notebook.
- Care for honey bee hives in the field.
- Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students.
- Support and participate in honey bee schools and workshops.
- Assist in wet lab experiments using molecular biology protocols, such as RNA extraction and qPCR.
- Occasionally travel as required to support collaborative projects.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Strong aptitude for working independently are imperative.
- Demonstrated proficiency in organizing and coordinating tasks.
- Capability to create, compose, and edit written scientific materials.
- Proactive initiative, resourcefulness, and punctuality.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- Overseeing students with the guidance of the immediate supervisor
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Most work will be performed in an interior lab and in the field at a farm.
- Will require working outdoors in hot environments in bee protective clothing.
- Must be able to lift 75 pounds to perform beekeeping tasks.
- Will be exposed to stinging honeybees.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Perform other related duties as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- M.S. in Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Life Sciences, or a related field; or a Bachelor's degree in the same fields with a minimum of 3 years' experience in apiculture.
- Experience in maintaining honey bee colonies is required.
- Experience in molecular techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR is a plus.
Licensing and Certifications: NA
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have received, reviewed and fully understand the job description for ____________________. I further understand that I am responsible for the satisfactory execution of the essential functions described therein, under any and all conditions as described.
Employee Name __________________________________________ Date _____________________ (printed name)
Employee Signature _________________________________________________
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
