BOWEN LAB, Marine Science Center, Northeastern University REU POSITION AVAILABLE
The Bowen lab focuses on how the structure and function of microbial communities are affected by human activities as well as how microbial communities alter their environment, from whole ecosystems like salt marshes to oysters, lobsters and plants. You can learn more about our research here: https://www.northeastern.edu/bowen_lab/ We are hiring one REU student for the summer to work on a project focused on salt marsh nutrient cycling. The REU will be trained in both molecular and biogeochemical techniques. Two possible projects for the REU to tackle include, though we are also happy to consider other project ideas that facilitate the student’s interests: 1) investigate the effects of sulfide on nitrate reduction pathways and microbial communities involved in these pathways in salt marsh sediments. 2) investigate the response of salt marsh fungal communities to nitrate addition. The REU duration is 10 weeks, but timing is flexible. The student will be based at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center in Nahant, MA. Public transportation from Northeastern Main Campus is available by shuttle (departs 9 AM, returns 5 PM) or students can drive to Nahant directly. Work outside of those windows of time will be necessary so having independent transportation, while not imperative, is desirable. The position comes with a $5000 stipend and $1500 to cover the cost of research. We are particularly interested in mentoring students who are looking to pursue graduate education in the fields of ecology or environmental science, that have excelled in coursework at their home institution, and have expressed interest in academic research. Priority will be given to underrepresented and/or first-generation college students from under-resourced families and communities. If you are interested in applying for this position please send a resume, unofficial copies of your transcript, and a cover letter that describes your research interest and experience, and your future goals, along with the names and contact information for two letters of reference to Jennifer Bowen at [email protected] by April 15, 2017.
