*Research Internship in Carbon Dynamics on subtropical grazing lands
*
**
Beginning August 2016 (revised start date)
Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degrees Contemplating Graduate School
Includes independent research project. Provides Weekly stipend, Room,
and Food stipend.
Internship at _MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center_ (MAERC), a
division of Archbold Biological Station, in south-central Florida in the
Agro-Ecology Program.
The successful intern will be supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Boughton
(MAERC) and Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas (University of Illinois). The
intern will be exposed to research in biogeochemistry, grassland and
wetland ecology, and disturbance ecology (grazing, fire, flooding).
Primarily, the intern will work on a project investigating how cattle
grazing and fire affect the exchange of greenhouse gases between the
atmosphere and grazed pastures. This project is a collaborative effort
between the University of Illinois (Drs. Evan H DeLucia, Carl J
Bernacchi and Nuria Gomez-Casanovas), Cornell University (Dr. Jed
Sparks) and MAERC (Drs. Elizabeth Boughton and Hilary Swain). The
successful intern will be trained to use a variety of instruments to
measure: net ecosystem CO_2 exchange and soil greenhouse gas fluxes (N_2
O, CH_4 , CO_2 ). Other fieldwork will include aboveground and
belowground biomass collection. 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, but all are
encouraged to apply. Additionally, candidates with experiences that
demonstrate proficiency working outdoors will be considered.
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. The internship will run
for 6 months but starting date is flexible. 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 about 50 with many
visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological
station atmosphere. The Station cannot hire people without legal status
to work in the U.S.
To apply for this internship, 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 before 18 July 2016. Please email applications to: Dr.
Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
