Job Title

This position is funded through either department funds or Federal Work Study (FWS) funds. Students who are not eligible for FWS are still encouraged to apply, as department funding may be available.Supervisor: Carrie Olson-ManningHours Per Week: 40Location: On CampusApplication Deadline: Open until filledPosition Duration: Summer Term (5/27/26 to 8/5/26)Position OverviewThe Olson-Manning lab is hiring two undergraduate research fellows to perform plant-based research during the summer of 2026. Researchers will participate in common garden field studies in South Dakota at gardens in Sioux Falls and near Custer State Park. Fellows will be expected to work 400 hours over the course of 10 weeks during the summer (roughly 40 hours per week). Time for vacation is negotiable with the research mentor. Fellows are expected to work outdoors at the two field sites, which will necessitate frequent travel. Accommodations will frequently include camping, with occasional hotel stays in inclement weather. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in events associated with the BRIN Summer Research Program at Augustana, including weekly lunch talks and the end-of-summer convocation held in Vermillion, and will also be expected to present their research at the 2026 Arthur Olsen Research Symposium.No prior experience is required, but a demonstrated interest in evolutionary biology and plant research and/or a career in scientific research is strongly preferred. Both domestic and international students are eligible.Major Areas of ResponsibilityPlanting and monitoring outdoor gardens and greenhouse experimentsData analysisWorking in a teamTime managementWorking ConditionsIn person field and laboratory workTravel to western South Dakota where the accommodations will include outdoor campingRequires completion of laboratory safety and field safety training before startCommunicates and exchanges information with supervisorRequired QualificationsNo prior experience is required, but a demonstrated interest in evolutionary biology and plant research and/or a career in scientific research is strongly preferred.Both domestic and international students are eligible.Students are eligible if their graduate date is Fall 2026 or later.Physical RequirementsSpending time outdoors in hot and humid conditionsAbility to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standardsOther InformationAll Augustana University employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend any required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.Certain positions may require a background check when appointed and disclosure.Application ProcedureQualified applicants will be interviewed after three days of job posting.