Friday, July 12, 2013 04:32 PM |
The Nadelhoffer ecosystem ecology lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative, NSF-funded project investigating the fundamental biological, chemical and physical controls on biochar degradation and biogeochemical processes in a north temperate forest soil. This ongoing research is investigating how the charring temperature and plant precursor material type affect biochar chemical and physical properties, resulting decay rates in soils, decomposer functioning, enzyme activities, transport dynamics, and soil stabilization mechanisms.
We seek a highly motivated PhD with demonstrated ability to carry out outstanding research in biogeochemistry and soil ecology. The work will include measuring C and N fluxes from 15N- and 13C-labeled biochar materials decomposing in situ in a forest soil. The successful candidate must have experience in stable isotope approaches to measuring C and N dynamics. The postdoc will also be responsible for quantifying soil microbial utilization of biochar and its precursor woody material and associated biochemical analyses. Training will be available in field and laboratory approaches as appropriate. The postdoc will have opportunities to develop new, complementary projects and to participate in related ongoing and new projects.
Field work will take place at the University of Michigan Biological Station in Pellston, MI, and the postdoc will be expected to lead field sampling trips at the site along with a second postdoc working with lead-PI Jeff Bird (City University of NY) and graduate students from CUNY and Dr. Timothy Filley’s lab at Purdue. For more information about the Nadelhoffer lab or UMBS please visit: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs/ http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eeb/directory/faculty/knute/
Applicants should have a PhD in terrestrial biogeochemistry, soil ecology, soil microbiology or a related field. Demonstrated experience in stable isotope biogeochemistry and undertaking field experiments will be preferred. The position requires an independent, organized, creative individual who is personable and enthusiastic about working in a collaborative group environment. The postdoc should be comfortable training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students related to the project.
Interested candidates should send a single pdf file containing the following to Dr. Knute Nadelhoffer at [email protected]: (i) a cover letter indicating interest in the project, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) a list of three references including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers, and (iv) two representative publications. Applications will be reviewed beginning August 1, 2013 and will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. The position will be for one year, renewable up to two years based on performance.
Start date for the position is October 1, 2013. |
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Friday, July 12, 2013 04:22 PM |
The Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy and the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science have teamed up to launch a new Master’s Degree in Exploration Science. Offered as part of the innovative Master of Professional Science program, the new track teaches critical exploration skills, providing students with the know-how to conduct expedition-driven scientific inquiry and field-based communication.
“Successful exploration involves a mix of scientific and practical skills as well as sensitivity to the ethical and cultural dimensions of working in different parts of our globe,” said Kenny Broad, director of the Abess Center and 2011 National Geographic Explorer of the Year. “New technologies allow researchers to communicate and share the experience of discovery—from the nosebleed heights to unimaginable depths—with an audience beyond just scientists. We believe that a specialized curriculum combining risk assessment, decision sciences, and hands-on training in skills ranging from navigation to science diving to remote medicine can further the next generation of explorers.”
As scientific endeavors become increasingly specialized, projects require people with advanced degrees who have hands-on research and media experience, said Broad. The new Master’s Degree in Exploration Science will be of value for scientists wishing to improve their skills in the field, communication specialists who want to participate safely in remote field campaigns, and those who want to be involved in the growing areas of citizen science and experiential education.
The curriculum combines scientific research theory and field skills. It will be tailored to students’ specific interests. The program can be completed in 12 to 18 months, with significant components done in the field. Students will also complete a three- to six-month internship.
“Our MPS program is a very attractive option for students interested in acquiring the skills that prepare them to enter today’s competitive workforce, and the new Master’s Degree in Exploration Science offers a unique track for graduate students who want to work in scientific exploration,” said Roni Avissar, dean of the Rosenstiel School.
Core courses will include: Gold to Glory: History and Ethics in Exploration; Citizen and Participatory Science for Exploration; Exploration Technology and Media; and Research Diving. Electives will range from marine policy and broadcast journalism to tropical ecology and meteorology.
The deadline for this year is July 15th.
The application page : http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/apply/ The program website: http://www.as.miami.edu/exploration/
Please contact [email protected] for additional questions.
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Friday, June 14, 2013 01:59 PM |
NEON Field Operations Managers are responsible for managing all personnel and activities coordinated from the assigned field office.
Field office activities include (1) preventative and corrective maintenance of scientific instrumentation, field infrastructure and equipment, office and laboratory equipment, (2) field observations, (3) specimen collection, handling, preparation and shipment according to NEON scientific protocols.
Personnel management includes (1) selecting, (2) training, (3) scheduling, and (4) performance management for 5-10 regular full-time field technicians and 20-30 seasonal field technicians according to NEON, Inc. Policies and Procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervise all regular and seasonal field personnel supporting field office, lab and collection sites.
- Perform and oversee the recruitment and training of regular and seasonal field personnel.
- Ensure that safety policies, procedures, and practices are followed within their area of authority. Reinforce positive attitudes toward safety and sets the example for staff by enabling compliance with safety requirements.
- Coordinate logistics and schedules, within NEON scientific parameters, for all maintenance, repair and field activities.
- Perform and oversee maintenance, repair and field activities according to NEON scientific protocols.
- Administer the operation of the office and laboratory. Oversees maintenance of office and lab areas including lab equipment and coordinates necessary repair or replacement.
- Act as liaison between regional stakeholders, including educational and research organizations, local property owners and the general public and NEON, Inc.
- Communicate NEON status and activities, local activities and partnerships, and regional issues and concerns to appropriate regional stakeholders and NEON staff. Work with regional stakeholders to resolve issues or concerns.
- Prepare annual operating budget for assigned office, lab and collection sites in collaboration with the Director of Field Operations. Ensure NEON funds are used appropriately and within budget.
- Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes).
- May carry, move and lift field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (diverse and uneven terrain).
- Follow and ensure all NEON, Inc. policy and procedure including administrative, safety, and financial requirements for field station operations are followed.
Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
- Graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science or related field.
- Previous experience managing a technical field operations services group.
- Previous experience leading or participating in outdoor activities in remote areas.
- Familiarity with federal and state employment and safety regulations.
Please visit NEON website for full posting descriptions:
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Wednesday, June 05, 2013 08:57 AM |
The Organization of Biological Field Stations is proud to announce that it's joining with the American Institute of Biological Sciences and Entomological Society of America to sponsor the 5th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event. This national initiative is an opportunity for biologists across the country to meet with their federal or state elected officials to showcase the people, facilities, and equipment that are required to support and conduct scientific research.
The 5th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event will be held throughout the month of August 2013. This event is an opportunity for scientists, graduate students, representatives of research facilities, and people affiliated with scientific collections to meet with their elected officials without traveling to Washington, DC. Participants may either invite their elected officials to visit their research facility or can meet at the policymaker’s local office.
Participants will be prepared for their meeting with a lawmaker through an interactive training webinar. Individuals participating in this event will receive information about improving their communication skills, tips for conducting a successful meeting with an elected official, and information about federal funding for biological research.
Participation is free for OBFS members, but registration will close on July 15, 2013.
For more information and to register, visit http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/congressional_district_visits.html |
Tuesday, June 04, 2013 07:03 AM |
The Santa Rosa Island Research Station is a newly created unit of California State University Channel Islands (CI) that will operate from existing facilities on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park. The station will facilitate research projects, including faculty let undergraduate research efforts, in a range of disciplines.
The Research Station Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Santa Rosa Island Research Station and serves as its representative to the Park Service and the general public. The manager will coordinate use of facilities, programming, and logistical support for research station guests; assist in planning for physical and organizational needs of the research station; serve as the primary contact for those visiting the station; and is responsible for providing orientation, facilitating station activities, and ensuring compliance with operating procedures and protocols.
The research station manager must have a demonstrated ability to work independently. The manager must have a demonstrated ability to effectively plan and manage logistics for groups of people. A graduate degree in a field science related to the scope of research station operations (including but not limited to archeology, biology, environmental science, geology) is required. The manager must have experience working in a field setting involving research or service activities equivalent to those planned for the research station. Given the unique cultural resources on Santa Rosa Island, the manager must have a general understanding of principles and practices related to the handling of cultural resources. This position requires resourceful approaches to problems and an ability to resolve minor operational and facility issues independently or in cooperation with on-island park personnel. The manager must be prepared to live in university provided facilities on Santa Rosa Island as needed to support program activities.
Job description, application procedure, and online application are available at https://www.csucijobs.com. Then link to Search Jobs > Job Title: Research Station Manager. Contact for additional information: Dr. Dan Wakelee, Assistant Provost 805-437-8542 mail to [email protected] |
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