Research Internship on greenhouse gas fluxes from subtropical grazing lands
Starting date: end February/beginning March 2018; Application due: Jan 29, 2018. Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degree Contemplating Graduate School Includes 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. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas (University of Illinois) and Dr. Elizabeth Boughton (MAERC). 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 delivery of ecosystem services from grazed pastures. This project is a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois, Cornell University and MAERC. Internships offer an opportunity for providing novel insights into some of the most profound issues challenging our world: securing food in a sustainable way; and for learning how research works. The interns research project will improve understanding of how changes in grazing and fire affect the exchange of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4) between the atmosphere and subtropical pastures. The successful intern will be trained to use a variety of instruments to measure ecosystem CO2 and CH4 fluxes from ecosystems. Other fieldwork will include aboveground and belowground biomass, and soil 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 their research project. Internships run for 6 months but are flexible in their duration. 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. Facilities include a 5000 ha preserve, an outstanding regional library and a GIS lab. The station has a staff of about 50 with many visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological station atmosphere. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged. 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 January 29, 2018. Please email applications to: Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, ngome...@igb.illinois.edu. Should you require further information please email Dr. Gomez-Casanovas.
