Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch (BIR), and the Institute
for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of
Illinois (UIUC), Urbana-Champaign seeks a full time technician. Archbold
operates a full scale working cattle ranch at BIR, which provides a
unique platform for long-term agro-ecology research. The successful
intern will be supervised by Drs. Evan H DeLucia (UIUC;
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.life.illinois.edu%2Fdelucia%2Findex.htm&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cb5ee64c64a7a4f6ad9ee08d7aa24a65c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637164946707283369&sdata=zrOUWj6WhtVda9kR8pbeRXlKWwCGGaa55V7jlcInbPM%3D&reserved=0) and Nuria
Gomez-Casanovas (UIUC;
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.life.illinois.edu%2Fdelucia%2Flab_group_files%2FNuria.htm&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cb5ee64c64a7a4f6ad9ee08d7aa24a65c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637164946707283369&sdata=lvINRa4bKtDM1b5XipsRy4vbsfs5ZQXBCbsrUeJl6Ao%3D&reserved=0
) and
Dr. Elizabeth Boughton (BIR).
The overall goal of the project is to investigate the environmental
sustainability of sugarcane for biofuel production. Our objectives are
to: (1) Characterize the impact of sugarcane cultivation on the
regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) compared to
managed grazed pasture; (2) Quantify the efficiency at which sugarcane
and pastures use water; and, (3) explore the impact of sugarcane
cultivation on nitrogen and phosphorus losses versus pasture.
This is a non-tenured, full time, 12-month position, and can be renewed
annually for an additional two years, contingent on progress, and the
availability of funds.
*MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*
The successful candidate will assist with the maintenance of eddy
covariance towers, and with sampling of field experiments at BIR in
Florida, U.S. The balance of the technician’s time will be spent in the
laboratory for the following: analyzing soil, water, gas, and plant
samples; preparing field supplies; maintaining field instrumentation
related to this project (including eddy covariance, canopy and soil
chambers); processing data. Depending on experience, there is also
opportunity to assist with data compilation and analysis.
*Required qualifications*: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental
science, chemistry, or related field; basic computer skills (MS Word,
Excel).
*Preferred qualifications: *Research experience in the field and in the
laboratory related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux
measurements, soil and water sampling, gas chromatography, eddy
covariance); experience working on farms and with farmers; experience
working in subtropical and tropical sugarcane plantations and rangeland.
Demonstrated knowledge of troubleshooting environmental monitoring
equipment is desired.
The position is located at BIR, a 10,500-acre cattle ranch near Lake
Placid, FL, with shared housing available on site.This is a full-time
position, although the duties of the jobs may change as contract or
grant turnover occurs.Competitive salary with full benefits.Applicants
should send 1) a letter of application, 2) a resume or CV with relevant
coursework and experience, and 3) names, phone numbers and e-mail
addresses for three references to Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas at
ngomezca@igb.illinois.edu .Application
deadline is *Feb 15, 2020*, and the position will remain open until
filled.Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via e-mail for more information.