The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking undergraduate applicants for several research projects. Successful candidates will participate in field research at the Plum Island LTER site in Massachusetts.
The Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions are available to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents who are currently enrolled as undergraduates at U.S. colleges or universities (no graduating seniors). In addition to gaining experience by assisting on a variety of project activities, REU students will assume an independent project that is linked to a larger study. REU participants are expected to collect and analyze data and to produce a poster or give a talk describing their project near the end of the field season. We anticipate funding for support of two to four REU positions during the 2008 field season. Possible projects include: examine changes in land cover in the watershed; examine the ecological functions of clams, especially in connection with nutrient cycling; examine the effects of suburban development patterns on fine scales on vegetation structure; and examine the relationship between cutting salt marsh hay, Spartina patens, and marsh geochemistry. Applicants should have completed basic coursework in biology, chemistry and ideally ecology or ecosystem studies. Attention to detail and a desire to learn new laboratory and field techniques are essential. Applicants should be in good health, and capable of rigorous outdoor activity. Depending upon the project the candidate may be based in Woods Hole, Plum Island, or Clark University. Students working at Plum Island should be prepared to live in a field house with other students and staff. Unofficial transcripts are required documents but may be uploaded with your resume and cover letter or faxed to the MBL Human Resources Office, 508-289-7931. If faxing, please be sure to reference this job posting. Apply online at mbl.simplehire.com An Equal Opportunity Employer
