The Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO; https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforestgeo.si.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C5b9ecf5290c649f5644b08d7796d0645%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637111381481017442&sdata=PJeB7fexog1kWr1aW9zPzQg5%2BqZGziIyfIeXDe1u%2BnA%3D&reserved=0) and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI; https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnationalzoo.si.edu%2Fconservation&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C5b9ecf5290c649f5644b08d7796d0645%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637111381481017442&sdata=e7LWG1QZJ9387gTxvZ6cVegt6c07RWoiaPpKPSfc4bo%3D&reserved=0) seek an intern to participate in a collaborative project addressing how productivity of forests worldwide is likely to respond climate change. We will analyze patterns of tree growth and climate sensitivity at ten ForestGEO sites distributed around the globe using tree-ring, dendrometer band, and forest census data. The internship will be based in Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira’s ForestGEO Ecosystems & Climate Lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fforestecoclimlab&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C5b9ecf5290c649f5644b08d7796d0645%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637111381481017442&sdata=nOVhBaMOeWgmsMSJKBjZzPX4juGo1RDGmrsDJ4Gtq54%3D&reserved=0) at SCBI, which conducts a range of research with the overall goal of understanding the dynamics of forest ecosystems worldwide in an era of global change. Interns will gain experience analyzing tree growth data, build skills in data analysis and scientific workflow, contribute as co-author or potentially lead author on one or more scientific publications, and collaborate with a large, diverse team of forest researchers worldwide. This is a six-month position, extendable contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds, with a start date between February and June 2020 (earlier preferred). The position will be compensated with a stipend sufficient to cover living expenses and commensurate with experience. Housing on the SCBI campus will be available at no cost.
Candidates should be recent (within 3 years) university graduates (bachelor or master’s degree) and have coursework and research experience in ecology, forestry, dendrochronology, botany, conservation biology, or a closely related field. Competence analyzing data in R and experience analyzing tree growth data are essential for this position. Experience with dendrochronology, including cross-dating cores, is strongly preferred. Enthusiasm for scientific research, a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to follow established protocols, work independently and to collaborate effectively as part of an international research team are essential for all applicants. The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks diversity in the workplace; female and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please email a 1-page cover letter describing your qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for 3 references to Erika Gonzalez-Akre at gonzalezeb@si.edu. Deadline for application: January 6, 2020. A full version of this ad may be viewed at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforestgeo.si.edu%2Fforest-growth-and-climate-change-internship&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C5b9ecf5290c649f5644b08d7796d0645%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637111381481017442&sdata=Rrmj3zo1NrTpV9KbDwvi4Ku0IuqRqdKiKV6pfG%2FqyuY%3D&reserved=0.