Research Assistants Invasive Plant Species Guide Design

This position will assist with a research project on designing and testing a new invasive plant species guide. Our studies will focus on whether specific design features help non-experts better identify species than traditional guides. Domain knowledge within terrestrial species is not required, but candidates must have strong design, organizational, and communication skills to be considered for this position.

The undergraduate research assistants will provide assistance in creating the new species guide prototype. They will also assist in the preparation, facilitation, and tear-down of the D2D booth experience in this year's Minnesota State Fair. They must be able to work with the graduate research assistant to help translate user feedback and testing data to inform design decisions and subsequent iterations. They must also have strong attention to detail, proficiency in visual design and prototyping, and strong verbal and written communication skills.

Since this is a role that involves creative production, the research assistant must be comfortable with taking art directions and feedback from multiple people (PI, plant experts, target audiences) and be comfortable with ambiguity to define specific design needs and solutions for the new species guide prototype.

Working Hours: This is a 10 hours/week position. Aside from the weekly research meetings, the research assistant is free to set the hours that accommodates their schedule. There will be times, however, when the research assistant will have to participate in study sessions to collect research data.

This position starts on July 15th and ends August 29th.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the creation of the new invasive plant species guide.
• Create visual assets for the new species guide.
• Assist in the preparation, facilitation, and tear down of the D2D MN State Fair booth.
• Attending regular lab meetings and providing feedback to research team members.
• Working with and gathering feedback from experts in invasive plant species.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in Graphic Design or related field.
• Working knowledge in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Working knowledge in prototyping tools, specifically Figma. * Strong organizational, time management, and collaborative skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interest in science communication. * Strong creative portfolio that showcases strength as a visual designer.
• Experience with conducting user research and testing to create user personas, journey maps, and evaluation of UI prototypes.
• Strong image-making skills (illustration and photography) to create visual assets for the new species guide.

Pay Range: $15.50/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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