Research Assistant
Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Posting: 9083
Location: Eugene
*Closes:* Open Until Filled
The Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of
Oregon currently has an opening for a full time Research Assistant to
work on a manipulative climate change research project. The U.S.
Department of Energy funded project will investigate how predicted
climate change will affect the distribution, abundance, and fitness of
native prairie plants in the Pacific Northwest in an experimental
framework. The experiment will employ cutting edge technology to heat
and remotely monitor physical characteristics at each site. The position
is available 6/15/2009, with annual renewals dependent on satisfactory
performance.
A Bachelor's degree and prior field work experience, including
proficiency with electrical wiring, carpentry, etc. for setting up
experimental infrastructure is required. A Master's degree, botanical
knowledge of Pacific Northwest prairie species, and biogeochemistry
training are preferred qualifications. The successful candidate must be
able to work in a team atmosphere and be available for extensive travel
to field sites from Southern Oregon to Central Washington. The
successful candidate will be responsible for conducting field and
laboratory research under the direction of Principal Investigators Scott
Bridgham and Bart Johnson. Salary will be commensurate with education
and experience.
Please send letter of application and a current resume with names and
contact information of three references to: CEEB Posting: 9083, 5289
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5289. ([email protected])
To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 6/1/09,
but position will remain open until filled. We invite applications from
qualified candidates who share our commitment to diversity.
Project Summary: A key biodiversity concern is how climate change will
affect the distribution and abundance of plants that have already been
strongly impacted by recent human activity such as the prairie
grasslands of the Pacific Northwest. To address this, we are using a
combination of a natural prairie gradient and experimental climatic
treatments. We will experimentally increase temperature with overhead
infrared heaters and increase precipitation during the rainy season in a
full factorial design in three prairie sites along a 550-km gradient
from southern Oregon to central Washington. We will plant native species
that are currently range-limited at each site, and determine how
changing climatic factors affect abundance, distribution, and fitness of
these species. We will also determine how these climatic treatments will
affect restored prairie communities using current restoration practices
at each of these sites.
An equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to
cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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