Wanted: Field Research Assistant in Panama, Immediate Start Project Description: Tropical forest ecosystems have been found to be undergoing widespread changes. Of particular concern is the increasing dominance of lianas (woody climbing vines). I am investigating whether increasing CO2 is a viable explanation for increasing liana dominance and, if so, through what mechanism CO2 favors lianas over trees. The study is being conducted at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. Liana and tree species are growing in open-top plant growth chambers and exposed to elevated levels of CO2.
Position Description: Research assistant will have the opportunity to work closely with a PhD student to carry out a major research project. You will learn the design and operation of an elevated CO2 growth chamber array, including instrumentation to measure CO2 levels and the photosynthetic activity of plants. Other duties may include plant identification and collection, caring for seedlings, measurement of plant traits, and data collection/entry. This is a volunteer position intended for persons looking to gain field and research experience. Motivated students intending to apply to graduate school programs may have an opportunity to develop a research fellowship proposal in conjunction with the project. Qualifications: Ability to work long days in the field under tropical conditions (intense heat, rain, sun, biting/stinging insects), and a background in biology and/or ecology. Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required. Positions start immediately and will run to the end of April 2012. Please send cover letter (including earliest start date) and resume (with references) to Dave Marvin ([email protected]) or visit http://www-personal.umich.edu/~marvs/ for more information.
