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Research Assistant

Categories: Research

Department: Space Studies

Research Assistant

  • 497479
  • Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
  • Part-time Staff
  • Closing on: Dec 24 2025
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Salary/Position Classification

  • $20-30 hourly, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
  • 10 hours per week
  • 100% Remote Work Availability: No
  • Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No

Purpose of Position

We are seeking part-time employees to fill the role of Part-Time Research Assistant in the Space Studies department at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Science

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Set up, operate, and decommission plant production systems in confined habitat environments.
  • Support crop cultivation using multiple space-relevant systems, including microgreen trays and hydroponic plant growth units.
  • Conduct routine plant care, harvesting, and system maintenance during analog missions.
  • Collect and document data related to plant growth, system performance, and crew–plant interactions.
  • Maintain detailed logs of crop observations, environmental conditions, and operational challenges.
  • Coordinate logistics and supplies for plant production modules prior to missions.
  • Interface with analog mission crews to support protocol execution and resolve operational issues in real time.
  • Assist with experimental protocol development, refinement, and documentation.
  • Support post-mission teardown, data synthesis, and reporting for NASA-funded deliverables.

Required Competencies

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage time-sensitive operational workflows.
  • Ability to work independently in structured research environments.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a team setting and independently.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Plant Science, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
  • Graduate-level training or enrollment in Space Studies or a related discipline at UND.
  • Experience with plant cultivation, controlled environment agriculture, or laboratory-based biological systems.
  • Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with confined or analog habitat operations.
  • Familiarity with human factors research, operational analysis, or crew workload assessment.
  • Experience supporting interdisciplinary research teams and NASA-aligned projects.

To Apply

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

 

Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST. Part-time/Temporary positions are posted for a minimum of 3 business days.

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Additional Information

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All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Need help?

Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701.777.4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit. 

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.