Position Details Position Details Student Employment Enrollment Requirements Indiana State University student enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. Comments to Applicants All student employees will be required to submit employment verification documents on their first day of work. For a list of acceptable documentation, follow this link: https://sycamoresindstate.sharepoint.com/sites/EMP-CareerCenter/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FEMP%2DCareerCenter%2FShared%20Documents%2FStudent%20employment%20documents%2Fstudent%2Demployment%2Dlist%2Dof%2Dacceptable%2Ddocuments%2Epdf∥ent=%2Fsites%2FEMP%2DCareerCenter%2FShared%20Documents%2FStudent%20employment%20documents Notice of Vacancy Number
ST2500676
Job Title Biology Research Assistant
- Avian Ecology Job Category Graduate Student Job Job Type Regular Student Jobs Position Class Code 82100
- Student
- Unrestricted Student Pay Grade 999 Hourly Wage/Salary 15.
80 Job Summary/Basic Function A field research position is available from May through July to work on a project involving joint effects of urban-associated stressors on the behavior, physiology and fitness of the Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia). The central objective of this research is to determine how behavioral traits (e.g. aggressiveness, neophobia) and fitness vary in song sparrows across an urbanization gradient. Research will occur primarily at Hawthorn Park and Green Valley Fishing Pond, in Vigo County, Indiana, as well as on the Indiana State University campus. Specific Responsibilities Work Schedule 20 hours/week according to student and supervisor schedule Desired Start Date 05/20/2026 Open Date 05/15/2026 Close Date 05/22/2026 Required Relevant Education & Experience High School diploma or GED Required Field(s) of Study Indiana State University student enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. Preferred Relevant Education and Experience BS, BA or MS Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations Other Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations Preferred Certificates, Licenses and Registrations Preferred Other Certificates, Licenses and Registrations Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Able to adapt to change, Able to assemble, analyze and present data, Able to learn and retain information, Able to plan, organize, and implement projects in a timely manner, Able to read English, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions, Able to work well with others, Attention to detail, Demonstration of high ethical standards, integrity, professionalism, politeness, and courteousness Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities NCAA Guidelines All employees and staff of ISU are bound by all NCAA, Missouri Valley Conference and institutional rules and regulations pertaining to intercollegiate athletics and must conduct themselves in accordance therewith. For more complete information on the duties and obligations of ISU employees and staff in this regard, employees and staff should contact the Compliance Office in the ISU Athletic Department. No ISU employee (whether paid or a volunteer) shall knowingly influence others to furnish the NCAA or an ISU investigator/compliance officer false or misleading information concerning an individual's involvement in or knowledge of matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA regulation. Failure to abide by this term of employment shall constitute unethical conduct as defined by the NCAA and may result in immediate suspension and/or termination of the employment relationship with ISU. Job Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities Primary field responsibilities will include surveying, mist-netting, banding and blood sampling focal individuals, and searching for and monitoring nests across the breeding cycle, and conducting behavioral tests to determine variation in aggressiveness. Thermochrons (iButtons) will be deploying in nests to monitor the incubation and daily activity patterns of females, as a function of the urban environment and other environmental conditions (e.g. temperature). Song Meters (Wildlife Acoustics) and video cameras will be deployed to the noise environment, singing patterns, and parental behaviors, respectively. Besides collecting field data, the position will also involve managing datasets and conducting preliminary statistical analyses. Thus, besides proficiency in avian fieldwork, the candidate should possess data management skills.
