Research Assistant I for C Marsh

MBL•Woods Hole, MA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Ecosystems Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for an entry-level Research Assistant I position with the C Marsh Project. Coastal marshes support extremely high plant productivity under challenging environmental conditions. The C Marsh project is examining how high plant production and high carbon burial are maintained in this very dynamic environment. This part of the project focuses on iron and sulfur cycling in coastal marsh sediments. The position is based in Woods Hole and involves a mix of lab and field work. The successful applicant will gain broad experience in careful laboratory analyses, with a focus on sulfur, iron and carbon as well as learning field techniques. The field work is carried out in the marshes surrounding Plum Island Sound, north of Boston. During the field work season candidates make 1 to 3 trips to the field station for 1-3 days each month.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Ecology.
Strong experience in independent research (e.g., senior thesis or REU project).
Coursework with laboratory and field components.
Demonstrated aptitude for biology, chemistry, and ecology, including advanced coursework.
Interest in learning biogeochemical techniques.
Capable of getting into and out of small boats.
Capable of walking significant distances across salt marshes.

Nice To Haves

Experience with small boats.
Higher level chemistry courses that included a lab.

Responsibilities

Perform careful laboratory analyses, with a focus on sulfur, iron and carbon.
Learn and apply field techniques for data collection in coastal marshes.
Conduct field work in the marshes surrounding Plum Island Sound, north of Boston.
Make 1 to 3 trips to the field station for 1-3 days each month during the field work season.