Summer (& Other Seasonal) Research Opportunities

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Also, check out this site as well <http://tinyurl.com/2un7jq>, which has short-term science jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.


Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) in Community Ecology

We are looking for a capable and motivated undergraduate interested in conducting research in community ecology supported by the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. This student will have the opportunity to develop an independent research project with guidance from faculty, post-docs and graduate students. This project will involve two weeks conducting field research in the Bahamas, and eight weeks working in Louie Yang's ecology lab at the University of California, Davis. The preferred dates for this program are August 1 to October 10, 2013. The project will be part of a larger research effort exploring how seaweed deposition affects terrestrial food webs. Potential research projects could include, but are not limited to, investigations of arthropod communities colonizing seaweed, investigations of seaweed effects on pollination, and the effects of seaweed subsidies on lizard behavior.

The successful applicant should be prepared for long hours of field work under sometimes harsh conditions. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work independently and in teams. Previous experience with field research, experimental design, community ecology and boating safety is preferred.

Applicants should submit the following materials to Louie Yang (lhyang@ucdavis.edu) by July 1, 2013: 1) a one-page cover letter explaining their interest in this position, 2) a CV describing previous research experience, 3) the names and contact information of two references who will send reference letters separately by July 1, 2013, and 4) a copy of the student's transcript (unofficial transcripts are fine). Please use "REU application" as the subject heading for your email application. The chosen student will receive a stipend of approximately $500 per week for the 10-week period. Travel and research expenses will be paid.

This position is funded by the National Science Foundation through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Applicants for this position must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and its possessions and must be currently enrolled as undergraduates. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Posted 6/18/13

Department of Plant Biology - Summer Internship Program
Carnegie Institution for Science

SYNOPSIS:  The Summer Internship Program provides an opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to carry out independent research under the supervision of Carnegie DPB Staff Members.

Address:          Stanford University
                 Department of Plant Biology
                 260 Panama Street
                 Stanford, CA 94305     
                 U.S.A.                                

Web Site: http://dpb.carnegiescience.edu
Program URL: http://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/education/summer-internship-program
Tel:              650-325-1521                 
Fax:              650-325-6857       

OBJECTIVES:  The Summer Internship Program provides an opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to carry out independent research under the supervision of Carnegie DPB Staff Members. In addition to working in the lab, students attend Friday seminars in which faculty present their latest research findings. The program culminates in a poster session attended by all members of the department.

ELIGIBILITY
Eligible applicants are high school and undergraduate students.

FUNDING
The program runs for 10-12 weeks each summer.

Posted 6/13/13

Job: Field Naturalist, NJ Audubon

GEORGE MYERS FIELD NATURALIST (1) for a variety of education, research and conservation projects at New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May, NJ. Sep. 1 - Oct. 31. Cape May is renowned as one of the world's great hot spots for bird migration. This position is named in honor of the late George Myers, a talented CMBO Associate Naturalist, and is funded by an endowment established in his honor. Will work at a variety of field sites with office at the CMBO Northwood Center. Will work as an interpretive naturalist associated with a variety of the Observatory's projects, including migration counts, interpretive walks, birding workshops, publications, exhibits and web site. Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills. Familiarity with bird migration and experience identifying birds as well as some knowledge of other natural history is preferred, but much learning on the job is possible. Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science or similar field preferred. All applicants must have their own vehicles unless other arrangements are made prior to employment. Salary:$1000/month; housing and reimbursement for gas provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to MIKE CREWE, Cape May Bird Observatory, Northwood Center, 701 East Lake Drive, PO Box 3, Cape May Point, NJ 08212 or email: mike.crewe@njaudubon.org. Application deadline July 1.

Posted 6/12/13

Summer field assistant needed for old-growth forest research

The Jenkins Lab of forest ecology at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) is looking for a full-time, temporary field assistant to participate in field data collections in support of research of carbon stocks and long-term stand dynamics in old-growth Central Hardwood Region forests. Field sites are distributed throughout IN, IL, IA, and MO. Work will begin immediately and continue through August 2013. If interested, please contact Brad Graham (bdgraham@purdue.edu) with a description of your interests, academic background, availability, and preferred means of contact.

Posted 6/9/13

3 seasonal jobs, NJ Audubon; interpretive naturalists, Monarch butterfly intern, migration counters

INTERPRETIVE NATURALISTS (2) for fall migration monitoring project at New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May, NJ. Sep. 1 - Oct. 31. Cape May is renowned as one of the world's great hot spots for bird migration. Successful applicants will work at the Cape May Hawkwatch. Duties include teaching visitors bird identification and natural history and offering general assistance, conducting workshops, and assisting counter when needed. Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills. Familiarity with bird migration and experience identifying birds, especially raptors, is preferred. All applicants must have their own vehicles. Salary for positions $800/month; housing and reimbursement for gas is provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to MIKE CREWE, Cape May Bird Observatory, Northwood Center, 701 East Lake Drive, PO Box 3, Cape May Point, NJ 08212 or email: mike.crewe@njaudubon.org. Application deadline July 1.

INTERN (1) to assist with ongoing Monarch butterfly migration project at New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory, Sep. 1 - Oct. 31. Duties include daily road censuses of migrating Monarchs, tagging, data entry, and educating the public about the project and Monarch biology. Successful applicant will be expected to work irregular hours during peak Monarch flights. Careful data collecting and entry skills, and excellent interpersonal skills a must; familiarity with insect ecology and migration a plus but not required. Must have own vehicle, and a valid, clean driver's license. Salary $800/mo.; housing and reimbursement for gas provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to MIKE CREWE, Cape May Bird Observatory, Northwood Center, 701 East Lake Drive, PO Box 3, Cape May Point, NJ 08212 or email: mike.crewe@njaudubon.org. Application deadline July 1.

MIGRATION COUNTERS (4) for fall migration monitoring projects at New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May, NJ. Cape May is one of the premier fall migration hot spots in the country. Specifically, we are hiring a counter for the Cape May Hawkwatch (1 Sep - 30 Nov), a counter for the Avalon Seawatch (22 Sep-22 Dec), a counter for the Cape May Morning Flight Project (16 August - 31 October) and a "swing" counter (1 Sept-22 Dec), who will provide day-off relief at each site and enter data.

Applicants for counter positions should have a strong background identifying raptors, seabirds, or songbirds in flight. Careful data collecting skills, a willingness to work long hours, and excellent interpersonal skills are a must. Applicants for the "swing" counter position also should have some experience with MS Excel. All applicants must have their own vehicles. Salary for all positions $1400-1600/month depending on experience. Housing and reimbursement for gas is provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to RENE BUCCINNA, Cape May Bird Observatory, 600 Route 47 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 or email: rene.buccinna@njaudubon.org. Application deadline is July 15.

Posted 6/8/13

Seasonal Shellfish Biologist Position in Oregon

Seasonal Fisheries Employment Opportunity
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Marine Resources Program

The Shellfish and Habitat Assessment Project has 1 seasonal position for a Shellfish Assessment Sampler.

The Shellfish Assessment Sampler is part of a team of samplers that support a field-based project to assess estuarine shellfish populations and habitats in Oregon coastal estuaries.  During 2013, work will be conducted primarily in Netarts Bay with additional studies in Yaquina Baycand other estuaries based on project needs.  The primary duties and responsibilities of this seasonal EBA position are to: (1) participate incconducting shellfish and estuary habitat assessment sampling in coastal estuaries; (2) assist the Shellfish Assessment Project Leader with literature review, data analysis, and report writing; and (3) provide public information and outreach services regarding recreational shellfisheries. 
Work includes:   
•Operation of small boats (15-22') in shallow coastal estuaries
•Intertidal and sub tidal surveys of estuarine shellfish populations
•Field sampling to characterize estuarine habitats
•Collecting biological data on samples (e.g., species, length, weight)
•Assisting with other ecological studies of shellfish populations to address resource management needs
•Equipment maintenance (e.g., boats, field sampling equipment)
•Data recording and management, including data entry in Microsoft Access
•Participation in literature review, data analysis, report writing,
•Participation in public presentations of Shellfish Assessment Project results to diverse audiences and assist in the development of project-specific outreach products.

This position requires a flexible work schedule that will vary in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily every day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day.  This position may be physically demanding; employees will occasionally be working independently under adverse weather conditions in remote areas.

Salary Range:$2,038 - $2,113 per month (Commensurate with experience)
Location: Newport, Oregon
Duration: 15 June 2013 - 31 October 2013

Requirements:
•Must be willing to work long hours in the field in estuarine habitats.
•Must have valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. ODFW will check driving records for in-state finalists.  Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current driving record for review.
•This position also requires a Boater Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board. There are some exceptions to this (e.g., Coast Guard Boat Operator License or commercial fishing license). For further information, access the Web site at www.boatoregon.com. On your application, be sure to indicate in the License/Registration/Certificate section if you have a card. You must possess a Boater Education Card prior to employment.)
•Minimum qualifications are not established for this position,
however, priority may be given to applicants with one or more of the
following skills:
  oDegree in biological or marine sciences
  oField experience in marine environments, especially remote locations
  oSmall boat handling/maintenance/operation
  oFamiliarity or experience with databases, especially Microsoft Access
  oFamiliarity or experience with GIS mapping
  oExperimental design and gear preparation
  oData management and statistical analysis
  oCPR and First Aid training

To Apply: Applicants must submit an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Employment Application by June 20, 2013. We will interview those applicants who appear to be best suited, based upon an evaluation of their education and experience relevant to this position. E-mail (preferred), mail or FAX a completed Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Employment Application to:

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
ATTN: Anthony D'Andrea
2040 SE Marine Sciences Drive
Newport, OR 97365

Phone: 541-867-7701 ext238
Fax: 541-867-7706
Email: tony.f.dandrea@state.or.us

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife applications can be obtained from the ODFW's Jobs Page under seasonal jobs at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hr/seasonal_jobs.asp.

Posted 6/8/13

Job: Field assistant birds in Australia

Field assistant job fairy-wrens

I am looking for a field assistant to monitor a population of red-winged fairy-wrens in south-west Australia for a 15 week period (9 October 2013 - 22 January 2014) as part of an on-going study on cooperation and competition. The study is based at Smithbrook Nature Reserve in one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots of the world. Duties include searching for nests, monitoring colour-ringed birds, behavioural observations, mist netting and data entry. Working days are long, start early and consist of lots of hiking through dense forest with occasional encounters with venomous snakes. Applicants must be physically fit and have outstanding hearing and vision, be able to work independently, get along well with others in remote field setting and tolerate hot weather conditions. Enthusiasm, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic are a must. Qualifications: experience monitoring colour-ringed birds, nest-searching, mist netting and current drivers licence. Field assistant will be appointed as a research assistant at the Australian National University (total gross salary for 15 weeks $13,907 AUD). Onsite accommodation is provided, but candidate must pay their own flight to Perth, Australia. To apply, please email a letter outlining previous relevant field research experience, and a resume including names and contact information for 3 referees to Lyanne Brouwer (lyanne.brouwer@anu.edu.au). Applicants will be considered as they apply until the position is filled.

Posted 6/6/13

MS in urban forestry biometrics

A M.S Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences is available immediately at the University of Alabama for a highly motivated student to work on models of urban tree attributes, such as crown dimensions and biomass. The goals of this project are to better characterize and understand urban tree attributes and their value to society. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, University of Florida, and USDA Forest Service. A general knowledge of forestry and/or urban ecosystems is required, as well as a solid background in statistical analysis, such as generalized linear mixed modeling. This is a fully funded teaching assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, tuition waiver, and summer salary. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Christina Staudhammer, or contact Dr. Staudhammer for more details (cstaudhammer@ua.edu or 205-348-1538).

Posted 6/4/13

FIELD TECHNICIAN POSITIONS: FOREST ECOLOGY
Tyson Research Center
Washington University in St. Louis

The Myers Lab at Washington University in St. Louis (http://biology4.wustl.edu/faculty/myers/) has an immediate need for two field technicians at Washington University's environmental field station, the Tyson Research Center (http://tyson.wustl.edu). The positions are full-time, temporary positions (up to 6 months) with no benefits. Wages will be commensurate with experience. The start dates are flexible, but ideally the positions would begin around July 1, 2013.


The two technicians will work collaboratively with the Myers Lab to complete an ongoing census of a large-scale (25 ha), long-term, oak-hickory forest dynamics plot at the Tyson Research Center.  Primary tasks include: 1) identifying, mapping, measuring and tagging trees and seedlings; 2) collecting, counting, and identifying seeds; 3) measuring plant functional traits in the field and laboratory; and 4) entering data into spreadsheets using Excel.

The Myers Lab studies the assembly, diversity and dynamics of plant communities across spatial and temporal scales. Our current research focuses on patterns of biodiversity and mechanisms of community assembly across temperate and tropical ecosystems, climate change and forest dynamics, plant functional ecology, and species interactions across spatial scales. Our core research site, the Tyson Research Center, boasts a dynamic community of university faculty, senior researchers, postdoctoral associates, graduate and undergraduate students, and high school interns.
 
Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in ecology, experience conducting field research, strong teamwork skills, and a willingness to work outdoors in hot conditions with abundant insects (e.g. chiggers and ticks). Successful applicants will need to secure their own housing in St. Louis or near the Tyson Research Center in Eureka, Missouri, located 25 minutes from the main campus of Washington University.   

To apply, applicants should e-mail a single PDF file to Jonathan Myers (jamyers@wustl.edu), including the following: 1) a one-page cover letter; 2) a resume; and 3) contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Questions regarding the positions can be directed to Jonathan Myers.

Posted 5/31/13

Forest Ecology Internship in the White Mountains, NH

Summer internships in forest ecosystem ecology

Undergraduates seeking research experience in forest ecology are invited to apply for an expense-paid summer internship at Bartlett, Jeffers Brook, and Hubbard Brook Experimental Forests, New Hampshire.

About the Project:
Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems (MELNHE) is an NSF-funded collaboration between researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY ESF), Cornell University, Miami University, The University of Michigan, and The Marine Biological Laboratory. The MELNHE project seeks to examine the limits to forest productivity through the lens of resource optimization theory. This is being done through replicated, large-scale nutrient additions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium in stands of different ages at three sites. Treatment results will be used to help develop the Multi-Element Limitation (MEL) model. More information on the project is available at http://www.esf.edu/melnhe, including a blog from previous field crews.

Internship Description:
Interns will gain experience in the field with tree germinant identification, fertilizer application, soil respiration measurements (LiCor LI-8100), root growth measurements (minirhizotrons), and leaf litter collection. Laboratory duties include weighing leaves, sorting roots from soil, and entering and managing data. Interns are encouraged to design their own summer projects, and will have access to previously collected datasets. Interns will have the opportunity to present their work to a group of leading ecosystem scientists at the annual Hubbard Brook Cooperator's Meeting in July.

Interns are provided with shared housing at Bartlett Experimental Forest; tenting is optional. Typical weekdays begin at 8:00 AM and end at 4:30, although may be shorter or longer depending upon the task. A stipend of $100 per week is provided for living expenses. Food is prepared communally by the interns and graduate student researchers, and costs generally run between $5-6 per day. Interns willing to drive personal vehicles for fieldwork will be reimbursed for mileage at $.55/mile.  Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse for travel to and from New Hampshire.

Desired Qualifications:
The ideal applicants have strong interests in forest biology, ecology, or biogeochemistry, and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field.  Recent graduates will also be considered. A positive attitude is important and a sense of humor is a plus. Candidates should be able to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail under harsh conditions (heat, rain, biting insects). They should also be willing to perform repetitive tasks in the lab. Applicants should be flexible in their expectations, but an estimated breakdown of the summer is: 60% fieldwork, 25% labwork, and 15% independent Project.

To apply send a brief letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references in a single file (word document or pdf) immediately to Adam Wild at adamdwild@gmail.com.  Please include all previous work experience on resume (not just research experience).  Dates of availability should be included in the cover letter.  Starting and ending dates are flexible but would prefer a student who could start ASAP.

adamdwild@gmail.com 

Posted 5/30/13

Avian Field Assistants Needed: Virginia / Maryland

2013 Virginia / Maryland Field Work - Radar Analysis of Fall Migrant Habitat Use

Field assistants are needed for a new collaborative project using radar to examine migrant use of hardwood forest habitat during fall migration in Virginia and Maryland. Assistants will sample hardwood forests along the Atlantic Flyway to compare with radar assessments of bird use of these habitats.

The research involves sampling migrants by sight and sound in addition to assessments of habitat and food resources.

Must be highly motivated with the ability to identify Eastern migrants by sight and sound. An ability to identify common vegetation and insects of Virginia / Maryland is preferred. Assistants will be housed in one of three locations: Wakefield, VA; Wallops Island, VA; or Berlin, MD and will involve extensive travel to field sites each day (a vehicle is required, mileage will be reimbursed). Field work is rigorous and will involve hot, humid weather, including frequent encounters with biting arthropods.

Positions include a monthly stipend of $1,850 and up to $500 / month housing allowance. The positions will run from 7 August through 14 November, 2013.

Please include the following in your application:a resumé / CV (please provide detailed descriptions (>1 page) of your academic, volunteer, and professional experiences); a cover letter describing why you should be considered for one of our positions and an indication of what your short- and long-term career goals are; the names, phone numbers, titles, and email addresses of at least three academic / professional references.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

Send application (email preferred) to:

Dr. Eric L. Walters
Department of Biological Sciences
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529-0266

email: jobs2013@ericlwalters.org
web: www.ericlwalters.org

Posted 5/26/13

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