Position: Graduate Research Assistant in salt marsh invertebrate ecology (full-time summers 2018-19, funded)
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore, US National Park Service, MA, USA
Dates: Late April through August 2018, with possibility of renewal in 2019 if performance is strong
Project manager / supervisor: Dr. Rachel Thiet, Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of Conservation Biology, Antioch University New England, Keene, NH, USA
Project description: This project is funded through a US National Park Service grant to Dr. Rachel Thiet, and will provide full funding (salary and housing) to the Research Assistant (RA) for the summer 2018 field season. Funding is also secure for 2019; thus, the position may be renewed a second year if RA performance is strong. The RA will work with Dr. Thiet and her colleagues at Cape Cod National Seashore to characterize the benthic and epibenthic invertebrate food web (especially shellfish and crabs) and conduct benthic habitat assessments of East Harbor, a partially restored, back-barrier salt marsh lagoon in N. Truro, MA on Cape Cod National Seashore. This project is part of an on-going assessment of long-term restoration outcomes at the site, and results from the project will inform science-based shellfishery management.
The RA will be expected to conduct full-time field and laboratory work between late April and August 2018, and will be expected to move to Cape Cod National Seashore to live in visiting researcher housing for the duration of the field season. Ideally, the RA will conduct this work to fulfill thesis or dissertation requirements in the Antioch University New England Environmental Studies Department.
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate student to gain experience in salt marsh ecology and restoration, and to live and work with a team of experienced, passionate ecologists and managers. For more information about the project, visit the East Harbor Tidal Restoration webpage (https://www.nps.gov/caco/learn/nature/east-harbor-tidal-restoration-project-page.htm), or read Dr. Thiet’s publications about her on-going research at the site (https://www.antioch.edu/new-england/faculty/rachel-thiet/).
Qualifications: Qualified individuals will have:
1. Strong interest in salt marsh ecology and restoration (experience in salt marshes is ideal but not required)
2. Excellent attention to detail
3. Excellent data management skills
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills
5. Willingness and ability to conduct strenuous daily fieldwork in water and under various weather conditions
6. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
7. Willingness and ability to move to Cape Cod National Seashore researcher housing April-August 2018
8. Desire to work in an active, stimulating community of scientists
To apply, submit a resume/CV, statement of interest and experience in salt marsh ecology and restoration, professional writing sample, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Rachel Thiet atrthiet@antioch.edu. Deadline for applications is February 12, 2018.