Subject: Research Technician Position in the Rocky Mountain Stream and Wetland Ecology
The Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology Lab (www.bradwtaylor.com North Carolina State
University) is accepting applications for two technician positions to assist with research projects at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (www.rmbl.org) during summer 2018. The position will require working independently or in small teams at elevations of
9,000 to 11,000 feet in remote settings with potential for inclement weather conditions.
The positions will also require careful collection of samples and precise field measurements using specialized field and lab equipment. Applicant should be comfortable in laboratory settings and prior experience with nutrient analyses, stable isotopes, invertebrate, microscopy, or other lab analysis is preferred. The position will begin as early as late April to may be extended to the end of October but applicants that can only meet part of that duration will also be considered.
The technicians will be expected to assist with at least a subset of the following projects:
1. What are rates of carbon dioxide efflux from soils of drying ponds? We will require careful use of a PP Systems EGM 5 (similar to a Li-Cor) and prior experience using field instrumentation is desired but not necessary. It will also require spending extended periods of time working at a 11,200 feet in elevation remote field site.
2. How do macroinvertebrates survive in the shallow aquifer environment of river floodplains? How do they make use of methane-derived carbon resources? We will require assistance with installation of shallow wells (can be physically demanding), carrying of heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) for distances <1 mile, collection and preservation of aquatic insects, and collection and analysis of water and dissolved gas samples.
3. How do climate-induced shifts in the timing of peak streamflow hydrology affect nutrient cycling? We will require assistance in the field sampling water column nutrients, benthic algae, and whole-stream nutrient uptake measurements. Remote streams will be accessed by vehicle and on foot (hiking <4 miles). We will also require assistance in the laboratory processing nutrient, invertebrate, and algal samples. Experience with one or more of the sampling procedure is preferred. A strong chemistry background, course record, previous experience with wet chemistry or willingness to master meticulous analytical chemical analyses is also strongly desired.
4. How does climate-induced variation in light or temperature affect the development of stream algae? We will require assistance maintaining stream microcosm experiments.
Upkeep duties will include periodically cleaning filters, tanks, and backflushing water lines to maintain water flow in experimental flow-through stream channels. Sampling duties will collecting water samples, stream invertebrates, scrubbing algae from rocks and tiles.
5. What are the causes and consequences of Didymosphenia geminata blooms. We will need assistance maintaining flow-through stream channel experiments, as well as weekly field sampling of invertebrates and algae from rivers and identifying and counting invertebrates and algae in the laboratory using a microscope.
Housing and station fees at the RMBL will be included. Wages will be commensurate with experience and range from $12 to $18/hour.
To apply, please visit our website at: http://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/97207 and attach the following documents:
* 1-2 page cover letter describing your suitability for the position, reasons for applying, and earliest start and latest end dates. Detail any prior experience directly related to the requirements of the position and any relevant coursework in your letter or other materials.
* Curriculum Vitae or Resume
* Contact information for 3 references
Please email any questions to Amanda DelVecchia at amanda.delvecchia@gmail.com or Brad Taylor brad.taylor@ncsu.edu by March 25, 2018.
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.