INTERNSHIP DETAILS

S/L Researcher Assistant

CompanyWestminster University
LocationSalt Lake City
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 22, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The research assistant will support a behavioral ecology project by conducting field surveys, executing behavioral trials, and performing data analysis. They will also assist with public education and outreach efforts while reporting progress to faculty and coordinators.
Internship Type
student labor enrolled
Company Size
13
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Based in the heart of the capital’s research and educational hub, The School of Life Sciences occupies modern laboratories with excellent facilities supporting cutting-edge research in a number of disciplines, including: molecular and cellular biology, fermentation and biotechnology, human health and performance and public health. Funded by grants from national and international funding bodies and industrial partnerships, notable examples of internationally recognised research within the School include, but are not limited to, research on biopolymers and nanotechnology, obesity, cancer, inflammation, human exercise performance and ageing, nutrition and global public health, social prescribing and resilience. Our academic experts provide consultancy, applied research and thought leadership across the public, private and third sectors, including the NHS, local authorities, Life Sciences and Health Companies. Many of our degrees are recognised or accredited by international and national professional bodies. Led by Professor Alistair Mathie, we offer a wide range of foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses, preparing students to be global citizens at the cutting edge of life science research, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
About the Role


Westminster University

Researcher Assistant - GSLI

Student Employment

Position Summary
We seek research assistants to support a behavioral ecology research project involving the escape behavior of side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana) around Great Salt Lake. The students will be trained in key research skills and support the project by assisting with site surveys, experimental design, executing behavioral trials, and assisting with data analysis. The research assistants may also design their own research project depending on their level of interest and commitment.

This position may be of special interest to students contemplating graduate school and seeking research experience. The students will work under the guidance of Dr. Claudia Ki, GSLI faculty, staff, undergraduate researchers, and other research assistants. While this position is for the spring of 2027, preference will be given to applicants who are interested in continuing this research during the summer of 2027.

Primary Responsibilities & Tasks

  • Report to GSLI Coordinator on a weekly basis
  • Meet with Dr. Ki on a weekly basis
  • Read and synthesize a review of relevant literature
  • Learn to identify side-blotched lizards
  • Assist in research design and methodology
  • Assist in site surveys at Great Sale Lake
  • Learn and assist in transcribing data, data management, and analysis (using R)
  • Engage with GSLI activities to develop an understanding of our mission and ongoing work
  • Support GSLI public education and outreach efforts on Great Salt Lake, including event tabling and assisting in presentations at public and campus community events
  • Participate in conducting research, including joining field trips to the lake, data collection (running behavioral trials) and analysis, and laboratory work
  • Represent Westminster University professionally at all GSLI events
  • Present research at conferences and the Westminster Student Showcase

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain foundational knowledge and skills in the quantitative research process
  • Strengthen science communication skills by supporting written and verbal dissemination of research
  • Acquire experience in preparing for and carrying out behavioral studies
  • Gain foundational research skills with increasing independence
  • Develop proficiency R
  • Build consistency, attention to detail, and reliability in data collection and team collaboration
  • Experience collaborative, place-based research in collaboration with faculty members and community partners.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be a student at Westminster University
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite or willingness to learn
  • Proficiency in R or willingness to learn
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness and ability to carry out behavioral trials at Great Salt Lake
  • Interest in research and methodology
  • Ability to engage in collaborative teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

  • DATA 220
  • Interest in summer research (2027)


Diversity and Inclusion

Promote an Inclusive Westminster through demonstration of the commitments include in the Westminster University Diversity Statement. Participate in developmental activities to increase understanding and awareness of issues related diversity, equity and Inclusion both individually and as related to my filed of work, profession or discipline.

For questions about this position, please contact Claudia Ki at kki@westminsteru.edu. 


Key Skills
Research designData analysisRField surveysBehavioral trialsData managementScience communicationMicrosoft SuiteTime managementTeam collaborationLiterature reviewPublic outreach
Categories
Science & ResearchEducationData & AnalyticsEnvironmental & Sustainability