We are looking for a field technician to work in Ecuador during the upcoming field season (starting in January, 2013). The EVOTRAC (Evolutionary and Ecological Variability in Organismal Trait Response with Altitude and Climate) project seeks to predict vulnerability of stream organisms to rapid climate change across latitudinal and elevational gradients by first understanding how temperature and disturbance shape stream biodiversity and function. EVOTRAC is a grant funded by the Dimensions of Biodiversity program of the National Science Foundation (NSF), entitled "An Integrative Traits-Based Approach to Predicting Variation in Vulnerability of Tropical and Temperate Stream Biodiversity to Climate Change" (Award Number DEB-1046408). More information on the project can be found at: http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/evotrac/welcome.html.
This position will be associated with our Ecuadorian component. The successful applicant will be located in Ecuador and assist a PhD student with research examining invertebrate growth rates along an elevational gradient in the Andes east of Quito. Responsibilities will include assisting with the set-up and maintenance of field mesocosms, invertebrate collection and imaging, and receive training in a variety of stream ecology techniques. The successful candidate will have his/her flights, accommodation and meals in Ecuador paid for as well as a $400 stipend/month. Candidates with a working knowledge of Spanish and those with prior field research experience will be preferentially reviewed. Tentative dates: January 10th- April 10th 2013. Please contact Lavenia Ratnarajah if you are interested at [email protected] or 402-318-9604.
