A Research Assistant in Wetland Biogeochemistry at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is sought to participate in a series of field and laboratory experiments studying the effects of the Macondo Oil Spill on coastal marsh ecosystems. The assistant will join a large, multi- institution team of researchers in the Coastal Waters Consortium (cwc.lumcon.edu), a BP GoMRI-funded project studying the impacts of the oil spill and future spills on salt marshes and coastal environments. The position is associated with a collaborative subproject on wetland biogeochemistry and microbial ecology between Drs. Brian Roberts (LUMCON), Anne Giblin (Marine Biological Laboratory), and Anne Bernhard (Connecticut College). The objectives of the project are to improve our understanding of temporal and spatial patterns in marsh biogeochemical process rates, associated microbial communities, and factors regulating rates and to evaluate the impact of oil exposure on marsh biogeochemical processes and associated microbial communities. The research assistant will support the field and laboratory analytical activities designed to accomplish these objectives. The position will be based at LUMCON and will require extensive field and laboratory work. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with top scientists from around the United States in a large, interdisciplinary research project of great importance to the US Gulf Coast and other ecosystems impacted by oil-related activities.
Qualifications: The candidate must have a M.S. or B.S in ecology, wetland science, biogeochemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation including autoanalyzers (for analysis of inorganic nutrients), TOC/TN analyzers (DOC/TDN), elemental analyzers (C, N), and/or gas chromatographs (CO2, CH4, and N2O) is desired. The candidate will also be expected to participate in field work that may require physical effort to transport equipment in field sites throughout Louisiana that are accessible only by small boats. The ability to work in a group setting is essential, as this researcher will work collaboratively with the PIs, post docs, graduate students, and other research associates/technicians on this project as well as personnel on the larger Coastal Waters Consortium project. The position requires high organizational and communication skills as well as significant database management capabilities. Duration and Start Date: Initial appointment is through the end of 2014 with the possibility of additional support dependent upon funding and satisfactory performance. The desired start date is early 2014. Location: The position will be based at the Louisiana University Marine Consortium (LUMCON) at the LUMCON Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit http://www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility). The field sites are located along the Louisiana coast between LUMCON and the Mississippi River. To Apply: Send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the name, address, phone and email contact for at least three individuals qualified to comment on scientific and work qualifications to Dr. Brian Roberts ([email protected]) with “Wetlands Research Assistant position” in the subject line. For questions or more information contact Dr. Roberts by email or phone (985-851-2821). Deadline: Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. LUMCON offers state benefits and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that actively seeks diversity among its employees.
