Research Assistant Position in Wetland Biogeochemistry

The Roberts Lab of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry
(http://robertsresearchlab.weebly.com/) at the Louisiana Universities Marine
Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a research assistant in Wetland
Biogeochemistry to participate in a series of field/laboratory and
manipulative experiments studying the effects of the Macondo Oil Spill on
coastal marsh ecosystems. The assistant will join a large, multi-institution
team of researchers in the Coastal Waters Consortium
(http://cwc.lumcon.edu/), a BP GoMRI-funded project studying the impacts of
the oil spill and future spills on marshes and coastal environments. The
position is associated with a collaborative subproject on wetland
biogeochemistry and microbial ecology led by Drs. Brian Roberts (LUMCON),
Anne Giblin (Marine Biological Laboratory), and Anne Bernhard (Connecticut
College) and including post-docs Ariella Chelsky and Troy Hill (LUMCON);
graduate students; research assistants / technicians; and undergraduate
interns. The objectives of the project are to 1) improve our understanding
of temporal and spatial patterns in marsh biogeochemical process rates,
associated microbial communities, and factors regulating these communities
and rates; and 2) evaluate the impact of and recovery from oil exposure on
marsh biogeochemical processes and associated microbial communities. The
research assistant will support the field and laboratory analytical
activities designed to accomplish these objectives. The position will be
based at LUMCON and will require extensive field and laboratory work.  This
is a unique opportunity to collaborate with top scientists from around the
United States in a large, interdisciplinary research project of great
importance to the US Gulf Coast and other ecosystems impacted by oil-related
activities.

Qualifications:  The candidate must have a M.S. or B.S in ecology, wetland
science, biogeochemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical
instrumentation including autoanalyzers (for analysis of inorganic
nutrients), TOC/TN analyzers (DOC/TDN), elemental analyzers (C, N), and/or
gas chromatographs (CO2, CH4, and N2O) is desired. The candidate will also
be expected to participate in field work that may require physical effort to
transport equipment in field sites that are accessible only by small boats.
The ability to work in a group setting is essential, as this researcher will
work collaboratively with the PIs, post docs, students, and other research
assistants/technicians on this project as well as on the larger Coastal
Waters Consortium project. The position requires high organizational and
communication skills as well as significant database management
capabilities.

Duration and Start Date:  Initial appointment is for 1 year and may be
renewed for a total of 2.5 years with this funding, depending on
satisfactory performance. The desired start date is late summer / early fall
2015.

Location: The position will be based at the Louisiana Universities Marine
Consortium (LUMCON) Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit
http://www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility).  The field sites are
located along the Louisiana coast between LUMCON and the Mississippi River.

To Apply: Send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the name,
address, phone and email contact for at least three individuals qualified to
comment on scientific and work qualifications to Dr. Brian Roberts
(broberts@lumcon.edu) with “Wetlands Research Assistant position” in the
subject line. For questions or more information contact Dr. Roberts by email
or phone (985-851-2821).

Deadline: Review of applications will commence immediately and continue
until the position is filled.

LUMCON offers state benefits and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer that actively seeks diversity among its employees.