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Plant physiology research technician

The hourly worker will support a joint CSU-ARS greenhouse project at the USDA-ARS Crops Research Laboratory, 2150 Centre Ave, Fort Collins, CO. The work will be done in close coordination with the faculty supervisor and USDA-ARS employees. The objective of the study is to measure variation in whole-plant drought tolerance traits in sorghum. These data will be used to determine trait combinations conferring improved performance under limited water. Specifically, the worker will assist with setting up the experiment (e.g., potting, irrigation, lighting) and making the following measurements: 
 
  • Root traits (e.g., specific root length, fine root mass, root depth)
  • Leaf water potential (pressure chamber / stem psychrometer) 
  • Plant transpiration (Licor 6400 / mass balance)
  • Net CO2 assimilation (Licor 6400)
  • Chlorophyll fluorescence (Opti-Sciences OS5P)Root
    
Job Requirements: The faculty supervisor and a graduate student will provide training in the proper use of instrumentation and measurement techniques. Some of the data collection will be time-sensitive and require long hours working under hot conditions in the greenhouse. This may require the worker to stay at the USDA-ARS facility for entire workdays (e.g., 8-hour workdays). Attention to details, accuracy in recording sensor readings, and proficiency in data entry/organization will be needed.  
 
Hours: variable up to 40 h/wk
 
Hourly rate: Starts at $21/hour

Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all federal and Colorado laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs.