Summer Field Researcher

An ideal position for either undergraduates or graduates interested in gaining field experience.

The Echinacea Project is looking for interested and enthusiastic summer field researchers for the 2014 summer field season. Our project investigates how small population size and reduced genetic diversity influence individual fitness, population demographics, plant-insect interactions and evolution in the purple coneflower Echinacea angustifolia. This is a great internship or summer co-op for aspiring ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary biologists! Read about what it’s like working and living in Minnesota.

Qualifications: College student or recent graduate, wants to work outdoors, is patient, has good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skill, willing to work hard even in inclement or hot conditions, and interested in ecological research. No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working.

Details: The field season runs from June to September. The exact start and end dates are negotiable. There is a $440/week stipend and housing is supplied.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter, your resume, and a transcript (unofficial OK) in one email to echinaceaProject@gmail.com. Use the subject line: “Summer Field Researcher 2014” and format your cover letter, resume, and transcript as pdf files. Begin each file name with your surname.  Please ask one of your references to send a letter of recommendation to echinaceaProject@gmail.com.

Laura taking data

Laura taking data

  • In your cover letter please include…
    • why you’re interested
    • what your future plans are
    • when you can start and end
    • who will serve as your reference
    • your email and phone number

Send your application via email to echinaceaProject@gmail.com by 6 March 2014.

Students who are now and will be undergraduates in Fall 2014, should also consider an REU internship.

Review of applications will begin on 6 March 2014. We’ll accept applications until positions are filled. Be sure to include an email address and phone number where you can be reached during March.

Members of groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply.

More information

If you have any questions, contact Stuart via e-mail or phone (847-835-6978). Read about the project’s background.