HARVARD UNIVERSITY HARVARD FOREST
Petersham, Massachusetts
http://jobs.harvard.edu/jobs/search_req JOB REQUISITION #29150
Research Assistant II Plant/animal ecology
3 year grant funded position
Summary
The Research Assistant (RA) will have day-to-day responsibility to perform
and coordinate a broad range of field research on (1) the pitcher-plant
Sarracenia purpurea and its insect associates (especially moths and ants)
and (2) ants in eastern hemlock forests. The position involves laboratory,
greenhouse, and field work in local wetlands and forests, data entry, and
some data processing. The RA will be required to make independent
assessments of data quality and experimental results, and will work with
the principal investigator (PI) to design future studies and experiments.
This is a 3-year, grant-funded position.
Duties
Coordinate comprehensive projects on: (1) the spatial dynamics of, and
interactions among, ants (prey), pitcher plants (predator), and moths
(herbivore); and (2) the relationship between ants and soil ecosystem
dynamics in hemlock forests. Collaborate with the PI on design,
implementation, and execution of experiments and laboratory protocols,
including: sample preparation; collection, identification, and manipulation
of insect assemblages; analysis of nutrients in water, and plant and animal
tissues; and measurements of soil ecosystem properties. Organize and
summarize data and associated metadata, using spreadsheet, word-processing,
and statistical software. Will oversee, train, and supervise the work of
summer undergraduate assistants. Will work with other RAs to maintain
laboratory and greenhouse facilities, including: regular watering and
weeding of experimental plants; maintenance and upkeep of equipment;
ordering supplies. Will have opportunities to work on manuscripts with the
PI.
Requirements
B.A./B.S. with at least two years related work-experience in biology,
ecology, or entomology. Enjoy field work. Demonstrated knowledge and
experience with basic laboratory techniques and equipment used for
nutrient/chemical analyses. Facility with standard software, including
word-processors, spreadsheets, and statistical packages. Good written and
oral communication skills
Working conditions:
Will be required to lift, move, and transport research equipment (not more
than 75 lbs). Will be required to drive to field sites. Will be required to
work with and handle soil, plants, and invertebrate animals (ants, moth
larvae). Will be exposed to laboratory chemicals of low-to-moderate hazard
(alcohol and other solvents).
To Apply
Please apply on-line at with your cover letter and resume at
http://jobs.harvard.edu/jobs/search_req at Requestion # 29150. Three
letters of recommendation are required and must be mailed to: Personnel,
Harvard Forest, 324 North Main Street, Petersham, MA 01366 or sent
electronically to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Harvard Forest
Harvard Forest, an internationally recognized center for basic research in
forest ecology, is one of 26 Long Term Ecological Research sites across the
country sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The Forest facilities
include a research and administrative complex, 3000 acres of land, and
residential buildings. Petersham is a small rural town in north central
Massachusetts. For more information about the forest, visit
http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/.
