Month: April 2017

Graduate Research positions (MSc and PhD); Atlantic salmon; Canadian Rivers Institute at UNB

Graduate research positions (2 MSc and a PhD) are available on Atlantic

Salmon Ecology with the Canadian Rivers Institute at the University of New

Brunswick.

1)=09MSc Opportunity Beginning Summer 2017 (UNB Fredericton); Atlantic Salmon

Radiotelemetry

Collaboration for Atlantic Salmon Tomorrow (CAST) is a partnership of

scientists, environmental groups, governments, and industry who focus on

understanding recent declines in wild Atlantic salmon populations and

developing management tools to reverse and sustain populations for the long

term. We are seeking a highly motivated and independent M.Sc. student to

undertake a radiotelemetry project to understand movements and behaviour of

adult Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi River, New Brunswick. The Project

will focus on tracking fish stemming from a novel conservation

supplementation strategy and comparing their behaviour to the movements of

wild salmon. The selected candidate will preferably have experience working

in remote wilderness conditions, and have experience or understanding of

radiotelemetry tools; ArcGIS skills are also an asset. This is a fully

funded opportunity (stipend + tuition), which will begin in the summer of

2017.  The deadline is May 5, 2017, but the call will remain open until we

have found a suitable candidate. Please indicate =93CAST MSc APPLICATION=94 in

the subject line of your application email.

Please send a cover letter, CV, transcript from your current degree

(unofficial is acceptable) and names of three references to:

Tommi Linnansaari, CAST (tommi.linnansaari@unb.ca)

Canadian Rivers Institute

Biology, Forestry, and Environmental Management

University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3

2)=09PhD Opportunity Beginning Summer 2017 (UNB Fredericton); Assessment of

smolt-to-adult supplementation strategy for Atlantic Salmon=20

Collaboration for Atlantic Salmon Tomorrow (CAST) is a partnership of

scientists, environmental groups, governments, and industry who focus on

understanding recent declines in wild Atlantic salmon populations and

developing management tools to reverse and sustain populations for the long

term. We are seeking a mature and experienced Ph.D.  candidate to a project

evaluating the benefits and risks of smolt-to-adult supplementation strategy

in a controlled field environment (experimental stream). The experiments

will include radio and PIT telemetry, large-scale electrofishing surveys,

assessment of parentage using genetic (SNP) tools, assessment of fish

growth, survival and behaviour.  The selected candidate will have previous

experience running a field-work based program. Good analytical skills,

demonstrated ability to write scientific articles and experience with

telemetry or use of genetic tools are an asset. This is a fully funded

opportunity (stipend + tuition), which will begin in the summer of 2017. The deadline is May 22, 2017, but the call will remain open until we have

found a suitable candidate. Please indicate =93CAST PhD APPLICATION=94 in the

subject line of your application email.

Please send a cover letter, CV, transcript from your current degree

(unofficial is acceptable) and names of three references to:

Tommi Linnansaari, CAST (tommi.linnansaari@unb.ca)

Canadian Rivers Institute

Biology, Forestry, and Environmental Management

University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3

3)=09MSc Opportunity Beginning Summer 2017 (UNB Fredericton); Watershed

Connectivity: Managing Barriers for Fish

Barriers to connectivity are often associated with roads, culverts, and even

beaver dams.  An M.Sc. student with the CRI at UNB working in collaboration

with the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council will develop a

watershed-scale connectivity analysis using a GIS model to best inform the

management of connectivity to reproductive habitats for Atlantic salmon in

the Restigouche River watershed.  The project will evaluate the current and

potential available habitats for egg deposition, juveniles, and conservation

requirements needed for an adaptive and integrated management plan.  The

selected candidate will have a background and experience with ArcGIS and a

desire to participate in the field assessment programme.   This is fully

funded opportunity, which will begin in the summer of 2017.  The deadline is

May 5, 2017, but the call will remain open until we have found a suitable

candidate. Please indicate =93ASCF MSc APPLICATION=94 in the subject line of

your application email.

Please send a cover letter, CV, transcript from your current degree

(unofficial is acceptable) and names of three references to:

Allen Curry, MAES (racurry@unb.ca)

Canadian Rivers Institute

Biology, Forestry, and Environmental Management

University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB.  E3B 5A3

Tel: 506-452-6208

More information of the positions, projects and the host institution:

http://canadianriversinstitute.com/

http://www.unb.ca/

http://www.castforsalmon.com/

Research Assistant in Rocky Mountain Insect Ecology (3-4 month position)

Job Description:  The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains

Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and

hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide.  Our research

focuses on grassland insect and rangeland ecology; specifically how

interactions between grasshoppers and Mormon crickets affect Mormon cricket

and grasshopper diets, insect immunity to pathogens, and grassland health.

Work may include sampling grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, and other rangeland

insects in large scale experiments, sampling rangeland plants, setting up

and conducting manipulative experiments in the field and lab.  Most field

work will be conducted in subalpine meadows at 9000 feet elevation in the

Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. A willingness to drive on overnight

travel to sites in Wyoming will be required.

Salary: $11.48 =96 12.53 per hour (GS-2 =96 GS-3) dependent on experience and

education.  Dorm-style, shared housing is available on location for $145 per

month, including utilities, internet and basic cable TV.

Dates: Starting June 11 – June 25 and continuing through mid September to

the end of October, depending on a candidate=92s availability.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen.  Additionally, the

candidate should be physically fit, able to walk rapidly over rangeland, and

comfortable spending long hours outside at high elevation. The candidate

will need a driver=92s license.  Willingness to work long days, and some

weekends when necessary is also a must.  Undergraduate course work in

ecology, entomology, range or environmental sciences, and previous field

work experience is preferred, but not required.=20

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume, and names and contact

information of two references (electronically) to Robert Srygley

(robert.srygley@ars.usda.gov).  Be sure to include available start and end

dates. In your cover letter and please describe any experience or coursework

you have in relevant areas such as field ecology, entomology, or plant

identification In your cover letter or resume.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the

position is filled. For more information on the grasshopper research program

visit: www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl/rsrygley or contact us directly.

Bat Community Assessment Tech position

The Missouri Department of Conservation has an immediate opening for a full-time resource technician to work on a project focused on assessing the bat community in areas of potential wind energy development throughout northern Missouri. The project utilizes Wildlife Acoustics SM2Bat detectors to acoustically sample bats at over 100 sites. The sampling sites are visited multiple times during the sampling period running from mid-March through the mid-October. Technicians will primarily be responsible for deployment of detectors, vegetation sampling, and data entry. There is potential to conduct targeted mist-netting in areas where species of special interest have been detected acoustically.

General Responsibilities Include:

=B7         Locating sampling sites using GPS units and maps

=B7         Deployment and takedown of bat detectors

=B7         Vegetation sampling and tree identification

=B7         Operating ATVs

=B7         Driving trucks and towing ATV trailers

=B7         Carrying 50+ lbs. of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to a =BC mile)

=B7         Working outdoors in extreme and undesirable conditions, i.e., hot and cold temperatures

=B7         Filling out data sheets

=B7         Data entry using Microsoft Access

=B7         Limited mist-netting

Basic Qualifications:

=B7         Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, or related field

=B7         Previous field experience

=B7         Willingness and ability to travel throughout the study area (northern Missouri)

=B7         Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks

=B7         Demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility

=B7         Recognize a problem, analyze relevant information, develop solutions and solve problems

=B7         Maintain focus, remain optimistic and persistent even under adversity

=B7         Ability to communicate well with team members, supervisors, and the public

=B7         Ability to use Microsoft Access for data entry

Preferred Qualifications:

=B7         One or more years of field experience working on bat related projects

=B7         Experience with acoustic monitoring of bats and/or mist-netting

=B7         Experience using handheld GPS units and reading maps

=B7         Experience towing trailers

=B7         Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations

Special Notes:

The Department of Conservation will hire only United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an “Employment Eligibility Verification” (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates seeking initial employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

How to apply:

Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email as a single pdf attachment to jonathan.brooks@mdc.mo.gov

For more information about the position, contact Jonathan Brooks (jonathan.brooks@mdc.mo.gov<mailto:jonathan.brooks@mdc.mo.gov>) or Matt Combes (matt.combes@mdc.mo.gov<mailto:matt.combes@mdc.mo.gov>).

Summer Courses at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology

The University of Oregon’s Marine Lab, the Oregon Institute of Marine

Biology’s has classes year around but many students find the summer a

great time to spend a term on the Oregon coast.

Our courses for this summer are listed below.

For more information and the summer application please see our website:

Summer Term

Best wishes,

Maya Watts

We offer four 8-week courses (June 26-August 18, 2017):

Invertebrate Zoology

Marine Birds and Mammals

Biology of Fishes

Seaweed Ecology

Short courses:

Biological Illustrations (June 24-25, July 1-2)

Ocean Acidification (July 15-16, 22-23)

Introduction to Experimental Design and Statistics (Aug. 21-25, Aug.

28-Sept.1)

Two week course in September (Sept.2-16):

Tropical Marine Biology in Panama

For more information please see our website

Summer Term

REU Opportunity at UC Santa Barbara

REU Opportunity at UC Santa Barbara this summer. For full consideration please apply by April 15, 2017.

A full time, three month REU internship is available as soon as May 2017. Successful applicants will assist the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research project (SBC LTER, based at UC Santa Barbara=92s Marine Science Institute) in its investigations of factors influencing the availability and utilization of various dissolved nitrogen species by macroalgae (and phytoplankton) in giant kelp forests off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The project is an excellent opportunity to apply concepts of general chemistry and biology to answer fundamental questions about the functioning of important, sensitive coastal ecosystems.

Specific duties may include: (1) assisting with manipulative experiments (lab or field) focused on understanding the physiology of nitrogen use by giant kelp and phytoplankton; (2) determination of enzyme activities within macroalgal tissues; (3) laboratory processing of seawater samples obtained for analysis of chlorophyll, particulate organic matter, dissolved nutrients; (4) laboratory processing of kelp tissue samples in preparation for chemical and stable isotope analyses; (5) computer entry and quality assurance of project data; and (6) initial analysis and presentation of experimental/observational data.

REU Internship Requirements: (1) Enrollment in undergraduate coursework for Fall 2017; funding may not be awarded to students graduating this year; (2) Prior coursework in chemistry and biology (general is sufficient); (3) Strong interest in gaining experience in conducting scientific research; (4) Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule (long days, occasional weekends); (5) Comfortable spending long days working in the laboratory/field and with hazardous chemicals; (6) U.S. citizen; (7) GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Compensation: A $4500 stipend will be awarded to one full time program participant throughout the summer. Students will be responsible for paying federal taxes on this income.

To apply, please submit a CV detailing relevant classroom and work experience, a one page statement describing your research experience and interest in this position, an unofficial transcript, proof of Fall 2017 enrollment, and contact information for two professional references, who can speak your interests/experience, to Jason Smith (jmsmith@ucsb.ed).

The application deadline is April 15, 2017.

Data Science Technician, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

The Pinsky Lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural

Resources is searching for an organized, enthusiastic, and skilled

individual to work as a data science technician on a three-year project

modeling the future of coral reefs and the potential for evolutionary

rescue. The project is in collaboration with the Coral Reef Alliance, Dr.

Daniel Schindler at the University of Washington, and other collaborators.

The project is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

The technician will assist the PI, a postdoc, and our collaborators by

identifying, assembling, and synthesizing existing, region-specific data on

coral reefs and their oceanography, ecological communities, population

dynamics, evolutionary parameters, and climate in the Pacific and

Caribbean. These data will contribute to regional and/or global models of

coral adaptation and the potential for conservation over the coming

centuries across realistically complex landscapes. Important questions to

be studied include the relative role of ecological vs. evolutionary change

in rapid coral adaptation, the interaction between oceanography and

evolutionary processes, and the potential for conservation actions to

facilitate rapid adaptation. Other duties will include assisting with data

visualizations as well as project and lab logistics such as training

students, preparing materials for grant reports and applications,

maintaining a website, and organizing events.

The technician will be part of a dynamic research team with opportunities

for professional development, presentations, co-authorship on scientific

manuscripts, and collaboration with colleagues at Rutgers, U. Washington,

the Coral Reef Alliance, and beyond. Rutgers offers many opportunities to

interact with biologists, oceanographers, climate scientists, and other

scholars in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, the

Rutgers Climate Institute, the Institute for Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric

Sciences, and the many other institutions in the New York region.

Minimum Qualifications

– A bachelor=E2=80=99s degree in ecology & evolution, marine biology, oceanography,

climate, or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of

education and relevant experience

– Exceptional organizational and data management skills

– Strong ability to accomplish tasks independently

– Excellent communication skills with professional colleagues

– Demonstrable skill with a scientific computing language (e.g., R, MATLAB,

or Python) and with data science applications

Preferred Qualifications

– Experience with data management, including spatial data

– Knowledge of coral reef biology, ecology, or oceanography

– Experience with computer clusters and scientific computing

– Start date in summer 2017

– Experience on the Meso-American Reef or in Fiji or Indonesia

To apply, please please send a cover letter that describes your interest in

the position, a curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three

references to Malin Pinsky (malin.pinsky@rutgers.edu). Please combine all

components of the application into a single file, and include =E2=80=9CCORAL tech

position=E2=80=9D in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on April

14, 2017 and continue until the position is filled.

This is a full-time position, initially appointed for a period of 12 months

at an annual salary of $30,860-$35,000 (depending on qualifications), plus

health insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits. The

position can be extended for at least one year depending on performance.

More information about the Pinsky lab can be found at

http://pinsky.marine.rutgers.edu. Please contact Malin Pinsky (

malin.pinsky@rutgers.edu) if you have any questions.

Job: Research technician, Southern California, community ecology

We are hiring a research technician to work on a variety of field, lab, and greenhouse projects in community ecology. The position is based at the University of California, Riverside, and ideal for someone contemplating graduate school and looking for research experience. Experience and/or interest in the following are highly desirable:  field ecology, California flora, and programming in R.  Required are: ability to work well alone and in teams, enthusiasm for long field days, a valid driver=92s license, good critical thinking and organizational skills. This is a full-time position (40 hours/week), paying ~ $18/hr. Timing of the position is flexible, starting ASAP and lasting 6 months or potentially longer.  To apply, please email me your CV, a brief description of your past research experience in ecology and your interest in the position, and contact information for 1-2 references.  Please apply by April 10 for full consideration.

Thanks,

Jeff

Field Technician – Aquatics Needed Tucson, AZ

Field Technician I-Limnology (with Instrumentation preferred secondary emphasis)

Location: Tucson, AZ    USWorker Category :Regular Full-Time

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manage and operate the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) project, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory=92s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY

The Field Technician reports to the Field Operations Manager and will be hired as a Field Technician I level depending on skills, experience, and education.

=95Field Technician I – The Field Technician I is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and sample processing. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the assistance of temporary field crews under the guidance of the Field Technician.

LOCATION

The Domain 14 Field Technician’s primary work location is in Tucson, AZ. This position supports sites in the Desert Southwest Domain. Candidate sites are located in the Sonoran Desert at Sycamore Creek (northeast of Phoenix, AZ) and Santa Rita Experimental Range (south of Tucson, AZ), as well as the Chihuahuan Desert at Jornada Experimental Range (north of Las Cruces, NM).

Tucson is home to the University of Arizona, with an enrollment of 42,000 students.  The city hosts a wide variety of restaurants and cultural events.  In 2016, Tucson was designated a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, the first city in the United States to receive that designation.  Excellent camping and recreational opportunities (mountain/road biking, snow sports, backpacking, etc.) among the forested mountain tops of the surrounding Madrean Sky Island Archipelago can be accessed less than an hour drive from Tucson.=20=20=20=20=20=20=20=

=20=20=20 ________________________________________

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Limnology emphasis:

=95Monitor and sample aquatic sites for water quality, biological indicators, physical properties of site (e.g. gaging streams, geomorphic mapping, etc.), and leading field crews to perform the aforementioned items.

=95Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.

=95Inspect and maintain aquatic sensors, gear and equipment.

=95Assist the Battelle Ecology, Inc. Systems Engineering Product Team with instrument installation and testing (approximately the first 6 months).

=95Perform aquatic vegetation diversity and primary productivity measurements.

=95Sample for aquatic invertebrate and fish diversity and abundance.

Instrumentation (tower) secondary emphasis:

=95Test, troubleshoot and operate instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.

=95Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.

=95Assist the Battelle Ecology, Inc. Systems Engineering Product Team with instrument installation and testing (approximately the first 6 months).

=95Record activities, completed work and trouble tickets according to Field Operations protocol.

General duties include:

=95Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems according to Field Operations protocols.

=95Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory equipment.

=95Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle furnace).

=95Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel.

=95Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.

=95Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation as well as measuring and marking plots.

=95Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and scheduling of activities coordinated from the field office.

=95Follow Battelle Ecology, Inc. safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.

Field activities may include:

=95Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample collection and handling; record and verify accuracy of data from sample collections; process samples in the laboratory; send samples to external analytical labs. =95Train and lead field crews performing the aforementioned items.

=95Perform other field sampling activities as assigned including: ground beetle collection (pitfall trapping), mosquito collection (CO2 light traps, tick collection (dragging and flagging) and soil core collection.

=95Test, troubleshoot and operate tower, soil and aquatic instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures.

=95Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts.

=95Monitor and sample aquatic sites for water quality, biological indicators and physical properties of site (e.g. gaging streams, geomorphic mapping).

Physical demands:

The work is physical and involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, walking and bending. Heavy items (e.g. equipment and packs up to 40 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.

Work environment:

Field work includes exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Tower work involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet which will include ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

All Technician Levels:

=95Ability to work in a team environment.

=95Experience should include performing scientific data entry and data management.

=95Ability to hike off-trail to assigned field site for long distances carrying field equipment (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods of time.

=95Ability and willingness to travel overnight frequently (e.g. semi-monthly for 3-4 nights).

Battelle Ecology, Inc. will be selecting an individual for a Field Technician I level. Equivalent education and experience may be considered. Field Technician I

=95Bachelor=92s Degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related scientific discipline.

=95One (1) or more years=92 related experience. Previous experience in scheduling, training, leading and auditing the performance of field crews required.

Battelle Ecology, Inc. will take into consideration qualifications for specific and diverse experience in the following areas:

Leadership:

=95Effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.

=95Effective problem solving skills and the ability to determine and act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment.

=95Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.

Skills:

=95Ability to perform minor troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of field equipment.

=95Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

=95Ability and willingness to learn and adopt new technologies as needed.

=95Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

=95High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

=95Ability to make effective decisions that take into consideration safety and operational standards.

Working conditions:

=95Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings and weekends.

=95Ability and willingness to work on towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet including ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs on instrument towers.

=95Perform field assignments in a variety of terrain and of weather conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat.

=95Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise.

=95Ability and willingness to travel overnight frequently (e.g. semi-monthly for 3-4 nights) is required.

Must possess a current and valid State issued driver=92s license with insurable Department of Motor vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by Battelle Ecology Inc.=92s insurance provider.

Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology, Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.

This position offers competitive total rewards including 401(k), health, vision and dental insurance, paid time off and the opportunity to work at an organization with a great mission.

Battelle Ecology, Inc. provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, or disability. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle Ecology, Inc.

Summer Forest Technician positions

We are seeking 3 full-time summer field assistants from the beginning of June through mid August, 2017.  We are looking for candidates that are interested and qualified for a project funded by Indiana University and the Smithsonian Institution=92s Forest Global Earth Observatory.  The=20

positions will work as a team to re-census trees in an old growth forest near Nashville, Indiana.  Qualified applicants should be:

1) adept at tree identification of eastern US hardwood species

2) familiar with basic forest mensuration techniques

3) be willing to work in various weather conditions and able to carry=20

loads across rugged terrain.=20=20

Other duties may include data entry and dendrometer band measurement and installation.  The pay rate is $15/hr.

  Send cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position and any conflicts with the time frame, resume or CV, and contact=

=20

information for two references by April 19th to Daniel Johnson at=20=20

djj4tree@gmail.com.

Santa Barbara REU

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer fellowship is open

for one student at the Marine Science Institute, University of California

Santa Barbara. Duration is 12 weeks, June 3-Aug 29, although these dates

can be somewhat flexible to accommodate academic schedules. We invite

applications from qualified, highly motivated undergraduate students from

U.S. colleges/universities to participate in a 12-week lab and field based

summer research experience. U.S. citizenship is required. The student will

be involved with an NSF-funded project on the transport of drifting kelp

from coastal kelp forests to sandy beaches where it washes up as wrack. The

main objective of the project is evaluate how variation in kelp wrack input

affects patterns and processes in beach ecosystems and to develop a

quantitative understanding of trophic connectivity through physical

transport and input of drift kelp from kelp forests to sandy beaches. The

student will learn ecological and/or physical oceanographic methods to

explore this topic, and will be required to write a report, in the format

of a scientific paper, and give a presentation on their project at the end

of the summer.  Travel costs to and from UCSB will be covered, and the

student will be provided with a weekly stipend for living expenses.  This

is a full-time commitment and any work or educational activities outside

the program must be approved.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you are an undergraduate student who has completed at

least two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree in a related topic

(including biology, ecology, or physics), and you will still be an

undergraduate in the fall after the summer program.  Students from

underrepresented groups and institutions with limited research

opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with

scientific diving is desirable but not required. Applicants must be U.S.

citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions. The

University of California is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Application

Interested applicants should send a statement of interest, resume,

unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation, and contact

information for one additional reference. The statement of interest should

be less than 500 words and include the following information: (i)

professional goals, (ii) interest in position, and (iii) relevant

experience.  Send application materials, preferably in one PDF file, to

Jenny Dugan (jenny.dugan@lifesci.ucsb.edu). Please include your name and

REU application in file names and subject line. You may also send all

application materials in hard copy by non-electronic mail service to: Jenny

Dugan, Marine Science Institute, UCSB, Santa Barbara CA 93601-6150. The

letter of recommendation should be sent directly from the recommender

(please include the applicants name in the subject line for emails).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Applications will be

accepted through April 21, 2016.