Student Helper - - Ecosystems Center OFP (Temporary/Seasonal)

Marine Biological Laboratory • Falmouth, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is position for a motivated high school student with a strong aptitude and
interest in science. We are looking for a student (preferably sophomore or
junior, must be at least 16) to join our lab group at the Marine Biological
Laboratory’s Ecosystems Center. The position is near full time during the summer
and after school 2-3 days/week (~ 5-10 hours/week) during the academic year. As
a high school research assistant, you will assist with research activities for
the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) time series in the deep Sargasso Sea. You will
help with general lab activities. As your experience grows, you will assist with
chemical analyses of oceanic particulate material. As an OFP team member, you
will also learn & assist with data entry, aiding in many aspects of our
research. You will be trained in the scientific method, statistics and learn to
use several different types of laboratory instruments.

Established in 1978, the Oceanic Flux Program time-series of deep sea particle
flux is the longest running time series of its kind. The program utilizes
sediment traps moored in the deep Sargasso Sea southeast of Bermuda to
continuously collect particles settling through the water column. Each sample
captures a two-week snapshot. We measure the amount of sinking material and its
chemical & biological composition to evaluate the influences of upper ocean
physical forcing (e.g. passage of storm systems and ocean eddies) and ecosystem
structure on the production of sinking particles and on particle recycling and
decomposition within the deep water column. A particular research focus of the
OFP is to improve our quantitative understanding of how oceanographic processes
control the magnitude and composition of the deep ocean flux over seasonal to
decadal time scales. The OFP encompasses chemical, biological and physical
oceanography, using data from all of the scientific disciplines and exploring
the exciting dynamics between them.

For more information about our research projects, visit our website:
go.mbl.edu/ofp

The ideal candidate will have a strong aptitude and interest in science. Due to
the chemicals that we use in our laboratory, the applicant would need to be at
least 16 years of age.

Experience and interests with computers and chemistry is a plus.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Strong aptitude and interest in science.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and interests with computers and chemistry

Responsibilities

• Assist with research activities for the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) time series in the deep Sargasso Sea.
• Help with general lab activities.
• Assist with chemical analyses of oceanic particulate material.
• Assist with data entry.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees