Overview: The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), a non-profit science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. We are currently planning the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 atmospheric, environmental and biological monitoring experiments distributed throughout twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska & the Caribbean. The Observatory is monitored and controlled in real-time from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.
Term of Position: This position will be funded for one year initially with the intention of transition to a full-time staff scientist on the NEON science team. Position Summary: Aquatic Ecologist/ Biogeochemist will be responsible for design and development of the freshwater biogeochemistry components of the NEON Observatory including: procedures and protocols for data collection and lab processing; piloting instrument installation; QA/QC; field-crew training program; and analytical laboratory requirements. Essential Responsibilities and Goals for the First Year: •Develop detailed sampling designs and methodologies for collection and processing of water and sediment in streams, ponds, and subsurface wells •Define sample methods for stream reaeration rating curves •Analyze water and sediment chemistry data from NEON aquatic sites •Collaborate with NEON engineers and scientists to pilot the installation of in-situ instruments •Refine the scientific rationale for biogeochemical measurements, instruments, and methods •Co-develop data QA/QC and field-training programs •Co-develop research to assess chemical and isotopic composition of freshwater organisms •Participate in the larger NEON science community, including independent research and collaborations Required Experience: •Demonstrated field-based experience in freshwater streams and/or ponds of North America •3-5 years research experience in aquatic ecology, with emphasis in freshwater biogeochemistry. •Experience working with in-situ automated instruments. •Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific or engineering enterprise. Education: •PhD in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry or related freshwater field. Specialization in the biological-chemical linkages of freshwater ecosystems. Preferred Experience: •Ability or desire to write technical documents •Experience working with federal or state agencies, engineers, and/or computer engineers. •Experience developing QA/QC programs and working with large datasets preferred. Skills and Abilities: •Record of excellent written and verbal communication skills •Ability to work independently, and as part of an active science team •Desire to work collaboratively with engineers and scientists •Proficient scientific and technical writing •Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with abiotic variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial framework •Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual Observatory tasks •Travel to domains at least 6x/year in the 2010 Physical Requirements: •The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. TO APPLY: Please send your cover letter and CV/resume to care...@neoninc.org with Aquatic Ecologist Biogeochemist in the subject line. Review of applications will begin 21 September 2009. NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
