The Roberts Lab of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry (http://robertsresearchlab.weebly.com/) at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a research associate or assistant in Wetland Biogeochemistry to participate in a series of field/laboratory and manipulative experiments studying the effects of the Macondo Oil Spill on coastal marsh ecosystems. The associate or assistant will join a large, multi-institution team of researchers on the Coastal Waters Consortium (CWC) project (http://cwc.lumcon.edu/) funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative to study the impacts of the oil spill and future spills on marshes and coastal environments. The position is associated with a collaborative subproject on wetland biogeochemistry and microbial ecology led by Drs. Brian Roberts (LUMCON), Anne Giblin (Marine Biological Laboratory), and Anne Bernhard (Connecticut College). Our objectives since beginning this project in 2012 have been to 1) improve our understanding of temporal and spatial patterns in marsh biogeochemical process rates, associated microbial communities, and factors regulating these communities and rates; and 2) evaluate the impact of and recovery from oil exposure on marsh biogeochemical processes and associated microbial communities. The research associate or assistant will support the field and laboratory analytical activities designed to accomplish these objectives including a combination of field/lab studies and manipulative experiments at multiple scales including a large scale oiling experiment being conducted in a soon to be complete marsh mesocosm facility. The position will be based at LUMCON and will require extensive field and laboratory work. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with top scientists from around the United States in a large, interdisciplinary research project of great importance to the US Gulf Coast and other ecosystems impacted by oil-related activities.
Qualifications: The candidate must have a M.S. or B.S in ecology, wetland science, biogeochemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation including nutrient autoanalyzers, TOC/TN analyzers, elemental analyzers, and/or gas chromatographs is desired. The candidate will be expected to participate in field work that may require physical effort to transport equipment in field sites that are accessible only by small boats. The ability to work in a group setting is essential, as this researcher will work collaboratively with the PIs, post docs, graduate and undergraduate students, and other research associates/assistants/technicians on this project and the larger CWC effort. The position requires high organizational and communication skills as well as significant database management capabilities. Duration and Start Date: The position is available immediately. The initial appointment is for 1 year with possible additional support dependent upon funding and satisfactory performance. Location: The position will be based at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit http://www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility). The field sites are located along the Louisiana coast between LUMCON and the Mississippi River. To Apply: Send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the name, address, phone and email contact for at least three individuals qualified to comment on scientific and work qualifications to Dr. Brian Roberts ([email protected]) with “Wetlands Research Associate/Assistant position” in the subject line. For questions or more information contact Dr. Roberts by email or phone (985-851-2821). Deadline: Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. LUMCON offers state benefits and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that actively seeks diversity among its employees.
