Were seeking a volunteer research assistant to help with a plant ecology project in China from February 26 - April 30 2013.
This is a great opportunity for a motivated student to learn about plant physiology and tropical ecology, develop laboratory and possibly field research skills, and experience working and collaborating internationally. Project: We will be measuring plant drought tolerance traits for diverse tree species from a tropical forest in southwestern China to relate these traits to ecological processes, including habitat association and competition. Research assistant experience: Volunteers will be trained to measure water flow-rate through stems and leaf vulnerability to wilting. We will spend most of the time working together in the laboratory on these measurements. Because of our short field season, we will be working about 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. Depending on permits, we may spend one of these days per week in the field collecting stem and leaf samples. Volunteers should be prepared to hike through hilly tropical forest in hot, humid weather while carrying branches. We will be working at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan, China, which is a prestigious national center for ecology research, and was recently named one of the most beautiful attractions in China (http://english.xtbg.cas.cn). We will be living in the student dormitory on campus. The garden is in a rural area of China, so volunteers should be prepared to be flexible and adaptable in new circumstances, and to experience a language barrier at times. Who should apply?: Were looking for hard-working, independent, and highly motivated biology/ecology/botany students, especially with prior research or field experience. Previous experience working or studying abroad is preferable, but not necessary. Volunteers should be excited to learn new things, willing to work for long hours, and positive and adaptable in new situations. Costs: This is a volunteer position. We will cover all transportation, visa, and living expenses. Please send a cover letter and CV with references to mkbartl at gmail dot com and lawrensack at ucla dot edu dot com.
