The Roberts Lab of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a graduate research assistant at the Master of Science level to examine the influence of river diversions on carbon and nitrogen cycling in Louisiana freshwater, brackish, and salt marshes. The student is expected to play an active role in designing and carrying out a thesis project that will examine the effects of salinity manipulations on greenhouse gas production, nitrification, and denitrification rates at multiple wetland sites along the Barataria Bay estuarine system salinity gradient. The student will join a large, multi- institution team of researchers on the Coastal Waters Consortium (CWC) project (http://cwc.lumcon.edu/) funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative to study the impacts of the oil spill and future spills on marshes and coastal environments. Specifically, the student will be collaborating with the wetland biogeochemistry and microbial ecology group led by Drs. Brian Roberts (LUMCON), Anne Giblin (Marine Biological Laboratory), and Anne Bernhard (Connecticut College). The student will be supported through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Coastal Science Assistantship Program which provides the student with the opportunity to complete an internship at a CPRA office during the period of CPRA funding. The research activities will be supported through the larger CWC project.
Qualifications: The candidate must have a B.S in ecology, wetland science, biogeochemistry or a related field. The candidate will also be expected to participate in field work that may require physical effort to transport equipment in field sites throughout Louisiana that are accessible only by small boats. The ability to work in a group setting is essential, as this researcher will work collaboratively with the PIs, post docs, graduate students, and other research associates/technicians on this CWC project. Start Date: The position can begin as early as May 2015, but candidates must be available by June 1st to enroll for the summer semester. The MS assistantship provides a competitive stipend including summer support, health insurance, and covers tuition expenses. Thesis research and project- related travel expenses including making at least one presentation at a scientific meeting will be covered by funding from the CWC project. Location: The student will be enrolled in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (http://www.oceanography.lsu.edu/) at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. The student’s thesis research will be based at the Louisiana University Marine Consortium (LUMCON) at the LUMCON Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit http:///www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility). To Apply: Send 1) a letter of interest that describes your interest in the position, your career goals, and details your work and educational experience most relevant to the position, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies are acceptable initially), and 4) contact information for 3 references to Dr. Brian Roberts (brobe...@lumcon.edu) with “Wetland salinity gradient biogeochemistry MS position” in the subject line. Applicants should also complete the LSU DOCS graduate study pre-application forms that can be found at http://www.oceanography.lsu.edu/preapp/preapplication.shtm to help expedite the review process. For more information, contact Dr. Brian Roberts by email or phone (985-851-2821). Deadline: Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. LUMCON is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that actively seeks diversity among its employees.
