Research Assistant

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