Internship —Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Field and Laboratory Assistants
The Stroud Water Research Center (SWRC) is seeking motivated science majors for Spring 2011 to assist in a wide variety of environmental research projects on the ecology, ecosystem dynamics, biogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry and organic geochemistry of streams and rivers. We typically employ 5-10 interns during the summer, and 1-3 interns during other seasons. The three research groups at the SWRC – led by Drs. Aufdenkampe, Kaplan and Newbold – together study energy flow, nutrient cycling, and organic matter composition and dynamics in stream and river ecosystems. Projects include following the movements of organic carbon and inorganic nitrogen from hillslopes to streams, the deposition and resuspension of organic particles in stream water, measurements of dissolved and particulate organic matter bioavailability, investigating streambed bacterial communities with molecular techniques, and determining the global importance of large rivers, such as the Amazon, as a sink or source of greenhouse gases. More information on research projects can be found at http://www.stroudcenter.org/research/index.htm. Internship tasks include: (1) sample collection and other fieldwork, such as streamflow measurements and operation of data logging equipment, in streams local to the Stroud Center; (2) laboratory analysis of water and sediment samples for a variety of basic chemical properties such as dissolved gas, nutrient and sediment concentrations, carbon and nitrogen content, stable isotope signatures, spectroscopic signatures, and mineral surface area; and (3) assistance to full time staff with sample preparation and analysis of organic contaminants and natural carbohydrate and amino acid compositions. Interns will thus be exposed to a wide variety of modern laboratory instrumentation, including: elemental analysis (EA) – isotope ratios mass spectrometry (IRMS); surface area analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ion chromatography, and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, assistance in implementing a network of environmental sensors to be installed in a study watershed is desired. Qualifications include: positive work ethic and attention to detail, training in basic wet-chemistry, and basic computer skills. Course work in Organic Chemistry is highly desirable. Experience with electronics is a plus. Stipend is a minimum of $350 per week. Starting and ending dates are negotiable. Send cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable), and names, addresses, telephone numbers of three references to the address below. Email is preferred. Review of spring intership applications begins immediately. Applications for summer positions will be reviewed beginning March 15 until positions are filled. Applicants who wish to be considered for a REU position should indicate their interest and qualifications for independent study. Stephanie A. Dix Geochemist, Level III Stroud Water Research Center 970 Spencer Road Avondale, Pa 19311 [email protected] The Stroud Water Research Center (www.stroudcenter.org) is an independent, non-profit institution devoted to basic and applied research on streams and rivers in North America and beyond. The scientists work in interdisciplinary research teams, blending their individual talents in hydrology, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, invertebrate biology, and ecosystem modeling to study the physical, chemical, and biological processes of streams, rivers and their watersheds. The Stroud Water Research Center is recognized internationally for its pioneering research accomplishments.
