The Roberts Lab of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry (http://robertsresearchlab.weebly.com/) at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a research assistant in Wetland Biogeochemistry to participate in a series of field/laboratory and manipulative experiments studying the effects of the Macondo Oil Spill on coastal marsh ecosystems. The assistant will join a large, multi- institution team of researchers in the Coastal Waters Consortium (http://cwc.lumcon.edu/), a BP GoMRI-funded project studying the impacts of the oil spill and future spills on marshes and coastal environments. The position is associated with a collaborative subproject on wetland biogeochemistry and microbial ecology led by Drs. Brian Roberts (LUMCON), Anne Giblin (Marine Biological Laboratory), and Anne Bernhard (Connecticut College) and including post-docs Ariella Chelsky and Troy Hill (LUMCON); graduate students; research assistants / technicians; and undergraduate interns. The objectives of the project are to 1) improve our understanding of temporal and spatial patterns in marsh biogeochemical process rates, associated microbial communities, and factors regulating these communities and rates; and 2) evaluate the impact of and recovery from oil exposure on marsh biogeochemical processes and associated microbial communities. The research assistant will support the field and laboratory analytical activities designed to accomplish these objectives. The position will be based at LUMCON and will require extensive field and laboratory work. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with top scientists from around the United States in a large, interdisciplinary research project of great importance to the US Gulf Coast and other ecosystems impacted by oil- related activities.
Qualifications: The candidate must have a M.S. or B.S in ecology, wetland science, biogeochemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation including autoanalyzers (for analysis of inorganic nutrients), TOC/TN analyzers (DOC/TDN), elemental analyzers (C, N), and/or gas chromatographs (CO2, CH4, and N2O) is desired. The candidate will also be expected to participate in field work that may require physical effort to transport equipment in field sites 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, students, and other research assistants/technicians on this project as well as on the larger Coastal Waters Consortium project. The position requires high organizational and communication skills as well as significant database management capabilities. Duration and Start Date: Initial appointment is for 1 year and may be renewed for a total of 2.5 years with this funding, depending on satisfactory performance. The desired start date is fall 2015. Location: The position will be based at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit http://www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility). The field sites are located along the Louisiana coast between LUMCON and the Mississippi River. To Apply: Send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the name, address, phone and email contact for at least three individuals qualified to comment on scientific and work qualifications to Dr. Brian Roberts (brobe...@lumcon.edu) with “Wetlands Research Assistant position” in the subject line. For questions or more information contact Dr. Roberts by email or phone (985-851-2821). Deadline: Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. LUMCON offers state benefits and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that actively seeks diversity among its employees.
