Research Technician Fellowship

The Research Technician Fellowship is intended to welcome undergraduate students who are interested in learning about tree science. No experience is necessary. Fellows will be mentored and trained as they assist in laboratory and/or field operations under close supervision.

To apply, individuals will complete the online application form; while encouraged, a resume and cover letter are not required. A brief true/false survey will be sent immediately to confirm interest, followed by a required questionnaire within one week to determine project interest and allow applicants an opportunity to provide additional details. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.    

Project descriptions:

• Forest Ecology Lab (part-time, September 2025 - May 2026): Trees at The Morton Arboretum record and preserve decades to centuries of information on growth responses to environmental conditions in their annual rings. In collaboration with the Herbarium, we are forming a formal archival collection of wood cross-sections so that comparative research on growth trends and wood anatomy can be performed while leveraging the wealth of information and extended records (e.g. Herbarium collections, BRAHMS online living collections database) that is truly unique to The Morton Arboretum. Student interns will assist with the full cycle of collections development and curation, including specimen cataloging, sample preparation, dendrochronological analysis, and digitization.

   

  Special considerations: Interns must be able to lift 30+ pounds assisted (15 pounds unassisted) and must be comfortable using power tools, including belt sanders and potentially saws (after training). Applicants do not need to know how to use these tools already, but must not be afraid to learn. Applicants must also be able to wear an N95 mask respirator and pass a respirator physical and fit test.

   

  Soil Ecology Lab (part-time, September 2025 - May 2026): The Soil Ecology Lab at The Morton Arboretum studies plant-soil interactions in a changing world. We investigate how interactions among plants, microbes, and soil influence ecosystem responses to environmental changes. We seek to translate ecological understanding of plant-soil interactions into effective techniques for restoring and managing natural and urban ecosystems. The fellow will participate in a variety of projects where we ask how trees impact soil properties; how plants, fungi, and soils respond to management; and how to improve urban soils for trees and ecosystem services.

   

  This fellowship will expose the fellow to a mix of field, greenhouse, and lab work. Fieldwork includes plant surveys, sample collections, and soil sampling; greenhouse work includes measuring plant growth and photosynthesis rates and destructive harvesting; and lab work includes processing soil samples, analyzing soil and leaf nutrient contents, and sorting litter collected monthly from plots throughout the Arboretum. We seek a fellow with a desire to learn more about soils and plants to join our supportive and passionate group.

   

  Tree Conservation Biology Lab (part-time, September 2025 - May 2026): The Tree Conservation Biology lab does work that lies in the intersection of genetics and conservation. In particular, we focus on utilizing genetic information to inform and improve conservation outcomes of threatened tree species. The fellow will participate in these efforts by assisting in all steps of the DNA data collection process, as well as managing data and preparing supplies for fieldwork and outreach, for a project working on an endangered oak species.

   

  Students participating in this fellowship will have the opportunity to gain experience with data collection, database management, and the many steps of genetic lab work (sample organization and preparation, extraction, quantification, amplification, sequencing, and data analysis). Candidates need not have previous lab work experience, but do need to be detail oriented, thorough, and strong in written and spoken communication, and enthusiastic for conservation and teamwork.

   

  Essential Functions may include: 

  • Provide support to a scientist for the implementation of research and related projects. 

  • Assist with data and sample collection, sample processing, data analysis, and record keeping on research and related projects. 

  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform routine lab maintenance by keeping laboratory and field equipment in good working order. 

  • May maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse. 

  • May voucher and assist with the curation of herbarium specimens. 

  • Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.

  • Other duties as assigned.

   

  Qualifications:

  Current enrollment in an Associate or Bachelor’s degree program, with an interest in studying biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. Organization and independent working skills preferred. Willingness and eagerness to learn necessary field, laboratory, and library research skills required. Experience with database, spreadsheet, and statistical/graphics computer programs, and Google applications beneficial. Depending on the position, may require possession of a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.

   

  Success Factors:

  Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and field environments. Good written and oral communication skills. Clear thought, visual acuity, and manual dexterity needed. 

   

  Physical Demands and Work Environment for all positions: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals may be necessary. 

  • Work Environment: Office environment, Arboretum grounds, field locations, which may include state parks and forest preserves, and/or remote locations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions.

  • Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research, hand tools.

The hiring rate is $20.00 /hour. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.   

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. 

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity employer- disability/veteran. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.