Paleobotany Research Assistant

Description

We seek a Research Assistant to enter plant fossil data into the newly developed Integrative Paleobotany Portal (PBot; https://pbot.paleobiodb.org), a database and research workbench that makes paleobotanical data widely available. The project involves a team of paleobotanists and database developers across three institutions. The aim of the Research Assistant position is to populate PBot with paleobotanical leaf fossil datasets from the Cretaceous through Eocene.

Working closely with the paleobotany and developer project teams, the Research Assistant’s duties will include:

• Compiling data for Cretaceous-Paleogene floras from primary scientific literature, including transcribing and/or re-describing historical material (e.g., monographs) and entering geographic, specimen, descriptive, and taxonomic data in the database.
• Database management and curation of entered data.
• Providing feedback on the user interface and PBOT content and making recommendations for improvements to the data entry experience.

The development of PBot was funded by a National Science Foundation project titled “EarthCube Data Capabilities: Solutions for Paleobotany: a web client hosting novel content and its integration with existing databases”, which is in its final stages of completion. At its core, PBot is an online public database of fossil plant descriptions for both informally and formally-named fossils, as well as free research work-bench software for students and professionals. A project summary can be found here: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2026961

This Research Assistant term-limited position is fully funded by the National Science Foundation for up to 12 full-time weeks (~480 hours) to be completed between May 1^st – August 15^th, although part-time positions and flexible hours may be considered. Remote work is expected. The hourly wage will be $23/hr without benefits. We anticipate filling 2-3 positions depending on the schedule availability of top candidates. The position(s) will report to and be supervised by the Director of Paleontology & Curator of Paleobotany, Dr. Dori Contreras. Anticipated start date is early May 2025.

Qualifications

Qualifications

You must have, or be working towards a degree in a relevant field (e.g., paleontology, geosciences, biology). This position requires the ability to work in a positive and collaborative manner with a team, as well as independently. Candidates for this position should be very detail oriented, and capable of independently researching and finding information in the scientific literature and other online resources. Candidates should understand taxonomy, and additional knowledge about plant anatomy and/or morphology is preferred. Prior experience describing fossil plants would be highly beneficial. Additionally, experience using online databases, or managing specimen data, is desirable.

Essential Physical Requirements

The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
  • Sit for extended periods of time performing typical scholarly research
  • Use a computer and look closely at a computer screen for extended periods
  • Use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel.
  • Reach with hands and arms.
  • Talk and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee must occasionally:
  • Handle fragile specimens ranging from a few ounces to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to apply

Individuals who are interested and qualified must apply through the Perot Museum’s Career website.  When applying, please include: (1) a brief cover letter expressing your interest in the position and a short explanation of your relevant training or research qualifications, (2) either a resume or curriculum vitae, and (3) names and email addresses of two references. For questions about the position, please contact dori.contreras@perotmuseum.org

Salary : $23