Research Internship on greenhouse gases in subtropical grazinglands

Beginning April/May 2017

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 co-supervised by Dr. Elizabeth (Betsey) Boughton 
and Dr. Jed Sparks (Cornell University).



The research intern will participate in 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 fire 
and cattle grazing on greenhouse gases in subtropical pastures.



The intern will be trained to use a variety of instruments to measure 
greenhouse gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, CO2) as well as soil, plant biomass, and plant 
species composition. 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.



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 9-12 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.



Interns 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.

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 (including experience making similar measurements as listed 
above), a resume or CV, a summary of grades, and contact information from two 
references by 22 March 2017.  A preferred start date is in April or May. Please 
EMAIL applications to:
Elizabeth Boughton 
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Phone: 
863-699-0242 ext 2

Elizabeth (Betsey) Boughton | Program Director, Agro-ecology | Asst. Research 
Biologist
Phone: (863) 699-02421 ext. 2 | Mobile: (863) 840-3673
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>

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