Research Specialist in Life Sciences - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Duties & Responsibilities

• Colony Management
  • Maintain approximately 50–100 healthy honeybee colonies.
  • Monitor and record colony health metrics, including population strength, queen status, disease and pest levels, and productivity.
  • Implement best practices for nutrition, disease prevention, and seasonal management.
  • Drive university vehicle between apiaries to maintain honeybee colonies.
• Student Training & Research Support
  • Train undergraduate and graduate students in safe and effective beekeeping practices.
  • Assist in planning, setting up, and execution of research experiments involving honeybees.
  • Provide guidance on data collection protocols and field logistics.
  • Follow established beekeeping safety protocols to ensure safe handling of hives and equipment.
• Facilities Maintenance & Development
  • Maintain bee research facilities through routine upkeep, repairs, and small-scale construction projects.
  • Ensure safe, functional, and compliant workspaces for field and laboratory activities.
  • Coordinate equipment and infrastructure needs with research staff.
• Pollinator Outreach
  • Develop and deliver educational materials and programs for public and stakeholder audiences.
  • Support outreach events that promote pollinator health and research impacts.
• Equipment Maintenance & Honey Production
  • Maintain and repair beekeeping equipment.
  • Plan, manage, and document the annual honey harvest, including processing and storage.
• Personnel Coordination
  • Foster effective working relationships among bee research personnel.
  • Serve as a liaison between research staff and principal investigators.
  • Address and help resolve interpersonal or operational conflicts.