Are you a biologist with skills in coding, or a computer science major with an interest in ecology? Are you looking to gain experience before applying to a graduate program? I am looking for a lab assistant to help with various ecological and eco-evolutionary modeling research projects. This may include an NSF-funded project modeling the impact of evolutionary processes for climate-change responses in forests, as well as other statistical or simulation modeling projects, depending on the needs of the lab and the interests and skills of the lab assistant. Duties of the position include modifying model code and parameters, running model simulations, and writing up results. The assistant will be an author on any papers resulting from this work. The assistant may also assist with other lab tasks if needed, or if the assistant wishes to gain experience with other aspects of forest research. These tasks could include assisting with fieldwork in the Sierra Nevada, literature searches, inventorying lab equipment, or helping undergraduates with data entry or analysis. The position is for 12 months, beginning in January 2019. Pay: $17.29/hour, or $2,766.4/month, plus benefits. Position is full-time (40 hrs/wk). I am also planning on recruiting a PhD student to work on the forest modeling project, starting August 2019 (GSR funding through NSF grant). The lab assistant is welcome to apply for this position; that would entail applying to UC Merced through the QSB or ES graduate groups by the standard date and, if accepted, resigning from the lab assistantship at the time of transition to the graduate program. Essential qualifications/skills include: • A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, computer science, or related area • Experience with statistical program R • Coding skills in C++ and/or Java • Communication skills to convey information accurately, clearly and concisely • Ability to work independently with high degree of accuracy • Ability to maintain clear records Desirable (but not required) qualifications/skills include: • ArcGIS experience • Some background in plant biology or forest modeling. How to apply: The position code is SSNRI8520A. Please complete a UC Merced application (https://hr.ucmerced.edu/sites/hr.ucmerced.edu/files/page/documents/uc_merced_employment_application_form.pdf) and email along with 1-3 page resume/CV and cover letter (explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position) to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. The application should include names and contact information for two references. Please indicate in the subject line of your email the Position Title and Position Number you are applying for. For questions regarding how to apply please email [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or call 209-228-8247. Review of applications will begin November 20 and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please apply before December 1. For more information, please contact Dr. Emily Moran at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or visit our lab webpage https://sites.google.com/site/moranplantlab/ UC Merced is the newest school of the University of California system (http://www.ucmerced.edu/). The university is small (<7,000 students), but diverse and rapidly growing. Merced is a town of 80 thousand located in the Central Valley of California. It is conveniently located 1 hour north of Fresno (the closest airport), 2 hours east of Berkeley and San Francisco, 2 hours south of Davis and Sacramento, and 2 hours west of Yosemite National Park. Cost of living is low. The area has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The University of California, Merced is an equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. UC Merced is also a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu
