SUMMER RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITIONS ON THE TIBETAN PLATEAU Announcement: We are seeking two highly motivated individuals to participate in an NSF funded interdisciplinary study of ecosystem and herder vulnerability to climate change, as modified by land use policies, on the Tibetan Plateau. We are using experimental, observational, and modeling approaches in this project. The RAs will work on the ecological aspects of this project. This is an international collaboration between researchers from Colorado State University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Responsibilities: We are seeking RAs to assist with an ecological experiment at the Nam Tso field station (elevation of 4820m), which is several hours north of Lhasa, Tibet. RAs will assist with datalogger deployment and maintenance; set up and maintenance of open top chamber warming infrastructure; pika and yak grazing treatments; monitoring of vegetation and soil responses to experimental treatments; measurements of gas fluxes from the site; and other on-going projects as needed. Field Working/Living Conditions: The Nam Tso field station is located in a beautiful and fascinating part of the world. However, it can also be a physically difficult and uncomfortable place to work. The RAs will be working in a remote region where medical care, people who speak English, familiar food, and the comforts of home are very far away. S/he will be traveling on rugged, dirt roads. S/he will be working and living at very high elevations (from 3,400-5,000m) under often cold and windy conditions (but sometimes in the hot sun without shade). S/he will be expected to spend several months in the field. Technical Qualifications & Preferred Experience: The RA should have some prior experience working in the field and/or the lab on projects in plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, and/or biogeochemistry. Experience working/living in remote mountainous regions, in developing countries, or in an international setting is a plus, but is not required. Knowledge of either Mandarin Chinese or Tibetan languages is advantageous, but not necessary. Personal Qualifications: This is a really exciting and unique opportunity. However, it requires an extreme amount of dedication, hard work, focus, and patience. The candidate should be able to demonstrate s/he can work well both independently as well as part of a team. The RA will need to be flexible and to find resourceful and creative solutions to challenges that may arise. A strong interest in and respect for Tibetan and Chinese culture is required. Compensation: We will cover all transportation, permitting and living expenses. Dates: Ideally, the duration of this position is from May to September 2010, but the dates and duration are flexible. A 2-3 month commitment is required. How to Apply: To apply for this position, please email the following to [email protected]: (1) a letter outlining your qualifications for this position; (2) current CV; (3) contact information for three references. Application Deadline: Applications will be considered immediately until the positions are filled.
