PROJECT TITLE: Research Assistant (Technician) for work on climate change experiments.
DESCRIPTION: We seek a person with strong technical and problem-solving skills, experience in ecology and, ideally, some administrative/managerial experience to oversee day-to-day technical work on a climate chambers located at Duke Forest, near Durham, North Carolina. The aim of the project is to understand the effects of climate and in particular increasing temperatures on ant communities and the species and ecological processes that depend on them. The ideal candidate is someone who likes to tinker with equipment and solve problems in the field, works well with others and is well organized. Although some of the work will involve invertebrates (and in particular ants) experience with invertebrates is not necessary. This position will be 70% field technician/manager and 30% ecology research assistant. Key duties and responsibilities include: (1) Maintain climate chambers (fix broken equipment, monitor equipment, deal with problems). Be in charge of day-to-day activities related to the climate chambers and research therein. (2) Coordinate collection and processing of samples. (3) Construct and lead the construction of new equipment, where appropriate. (4) Hire and oversee undergraduate workers and assist students and other researchers using the climate chambers in their research. (5) Contribute to project development. (6) Assist with ecological fieldwork. Fieldwork generally entails sampling of ants with pitfall traps, work with leaf-litter and related lab work including work related to the seed dispersal of ant-dispersed plants. Depending on the candidate, there is also room to write papers, design independent research projects and play an active scientific role. Salary Range: $30,000 (plus benefits) depending on experience. This position has an initial appointment of one year, with the possibility of additional two years of additional support available, contingent on performance. Funding is available for attendance at national meetings as well as well as for training and travel where necessary. RESEARCH GROUP: The candidate would work in the lab of Rob Dunn at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. The candidate would also work with the other PIs on the project (Nathan Sanders at the University of Tennessee, Aaron Ellison at Harvard Forest and Nick Gotelli at the University of Vermont) and will interact with the lab of Jim Clark at Duke University. LOCATION: North Carolina State University. The position is based in the Department of Biology, a large interdisciplinary department with strong links to the research in the Genetics, Entomology, History and Forestry departments and also to researchers at neighboring Duke and UNC. QUALIFICATIONS: Qualifications: MS in biology, ecology, engineering (or related disciplines) + field experience. A valid driver's license is required. NC Driver's license required within 60 days of hire. APPLICATION: Applicants must apply online. See http://jobs.ncsu.edu (position # 01-16-0820) for instructions and required documentation. Please contact Rob Dunn (rob_dunn <at> ncsu.edu) with any questions regarding the requirements or obligations of the position. A CV, letter of intent and contact information for three references are required. Proper documentation of identity and employability will be required before the hiring process can be finalized. PROPOSED HIRE DATE: We would like to hire as soon as possible. Work at the sites is already ongoing. North Carolina State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation. Persons with disabilities who need accommodations in the application process should contact Susan Marschalk, Department of Zoology, via telephone at (919) 515-2741. Contact for additional information: Rob_Dunn <at> ncsu.edu -- Rob R. Dunn Assistant Professor Department of Biology North Carolina State University [email protected] EVERY LIVING THING: http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061430305/Every_Living_Thing/index.aspx
