Research Internship in Carbon Dynamics on Subtropical Grazing lands Beginning April 2014 Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degrees Contemplating Graduate School Includes independent research project. Provides Weekly stipend, Room, and Food stipend. Internships at MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC), a division of Archbold Biological Station, in south-central Florida in the Agro-Ecology Program. The intern will be supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Boughton and exposed to research in wetland ecology, community ecology, and disturbance ecology (grazing, fire, flooding). Primarily, the intern will work on a collaborative project investigating the effects of cattle grazing on Net Ecosystem Productivity and CH4 fluxes in low and high intensity ranchland, led by Dr. Nuria Casanova-Gomez and Dr. Carl Bernacchi, University of Illinois. The successful intern will be trained to use a variety of instruments to measure: net ecosystem CO2 exchange, soil greenhouse gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, CO2), and groundwater levels. Other fieldwork will include aboveground biomass collection and moving grazing exclosures. Long days and work on weekends may be required during intense data collection campaigns. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate experience with similar measurements or a strong background (coursework) in biogeochemistry.
Interns receive room, a meal allowance, and a weekly stipend of $100. They typically work 20 hours per week as research assistants and the remainder on an independent research project. Internships generally run for 6-12 months but are flexible in their starting dates and durations. Internships offer an opportunity for experience in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice and experimental design to oral and written presentations. The intern must be able to tolerate living on a remote cattle ranch and provide their own transportation for personal activities. MAERC is a division of Archbold Biological Station with eight permanent staff, located 11 miles away from the main field station. MAERC is operated as a commercial cattle ranch which serves as a research platform to investigate ecological and environmental challenges on working landscapes. Archbold Biological Station is active in research, conservation, and education. Our facilities include a 5000 ha preserve, an outstanding regional library and a GIS lab. We have a staff of 50 with many visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological station atmosphere. To apply for an internship in the agro-ecology lab, please provide the following: a cover letter stating research interests, a description of previous research experience, a resume or CV, a summary of grades, and two letters of recommendation by 14 March 2014. Please EMAIL applications to: Elizabeth Boughton [email protected] Phone: 863-699-0242 ext 2
