The Ecosystems Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) (http://ecosystems.mbl.edu) is seeking applicants for a summer full-time Research Assistant position based in Woods Hole, MA with a summer field season on the North Slope of Alaska (Toolik Field Station). This position is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through NSF between May 2010 and September 2010. The renewal is possible depending on funding availability and success of the project.
The field duties of the RA are to explore a new method to measure soil respiration and its components with a newly developed automated system under a manipulated warming condition in soils. The candidate is expected to maintain the system and potentially develop his/her own ideas to study soil carbon fluxes in the tundra ecosystem. Activities in Woods Hole include chemistry analyses, data analyses, and writing of reports. A BA/BS in ecology or environmental sciences is required. An MA in above fields is desired. Strong experience in field instrumentation, particularly of infrared gas analyzers (IRGA), dataloggers, and climatic sensors, is essential. The successful candidate should be able to work independently without supervision for a long time in a remote condition, and willing to learn to use and explore new field-based instruments. Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous physical activity (e.g., working long hours in potentially harsh environmental conditions, carrying ~40 pound pack across uneven terrain) and prepare to live in an isolated research camp. Candidate should be available for travel to Alaska in June and should be able to remain in Alaska through the end of August. All travel and living expenses while in Alaska will be paid in addition to a salary. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until a suitable candidate is identified. Please apply online on https://mbl.simplehire.com/. Click "Research" and find the position "Arctic Soil." Questions should be addressed to Dr. Jim Tang at jt...@mbl.edu. MBL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Non-smoking workplace.