We seek 1-2 summer research assistants for a study of species range
expansion and community ecology in marsh and mangrove ecosystems along
the Atlantic coast of Florida. The assistant(s) will be supervised by
graduate students associated with the University of Maryland and the
Smithsonian Institution, based primarily at the Smithsonian Marine
Station in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
The research broadly considers factors promoting and inhibiting species
range expansion, and how ecological communities respond to habitat
shifts that result from range expansion. In particular, most research
help will be required for a pair of studies focusing on mangroves and
marsh as resources for pollinators and crab communities. The
assistant(s) will have opportunities to conduct an independent research
project that relates to plant-pollinator interactions, crab habitat
selection, or a similar topic.
Field work will be conducted in a mixture of terrestrial and aquatic
settings; work can be strenuous at times, and applicants should be
willing and able to work in hot, buggy conditions in and around water.
Previous experience with crustaceans and/or insects is preferred, but is
by no means necessary. Tasks will include monitoring insect floral
visitors in the field, processing and identifying insect specimens in
the lab, collecting plankton samples and traps, and identifying larval
crabs using microscopes. Applicants will gain experience with GPS
navigation, water analyzers, dissecting scopes, and data collection and
management.
Position will be based in Ft. Pierce, Florida. We will help assistant(s)
to procure local housing. The assistant ideally will have a personal
vehicle or local transportation of their own (it will not be used for
work). Compensation starts at $10/hour. Position would begin in mid- to
late-May, ending in August/September (specific dates are flexible).
Please send any queries and your application by email to Cora Johnston
<[email protected]> and Mayda Nathan <[email protected]>. Applications
should include a resume, contact information for two references, and a
cover letter that describes prior research experience, outdoor
experience, and interests. Please include your dates of availability
within the window given above.
--
Daniel S. Gruner, Associate Professor
Department of Entomology
4112 Plant Sciences Bldg
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742 U.S.A.
(o) 301-405-3957 (f) 301-314-9290
[email protected]
http://grunerlab.umd.edu
https://twitter.com/GrunerDaniel
