Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute –Internship in Forest Trophic Interactions.

Overview

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) seeks two interns to
participate in a European Research Council funded research addressing the
ecological determinants of tropical and temperate trends in insect
diversity. To answer key questions in global insect distribution we are
applying quantitative surveys of plant-herbivore-parasitoid food webs within
paired sets of tropical and temperate forests from six continents, in Papua
New Guinea (PNG), Gabon, Panama, the Czech Republic, Japan, and USA. This
internship will be based in the CTFS-ForestGEO-Forest Ecosystems & Climate
lab in Front Royal, Virginia.

The SCBI campus is located near the north entrance of the Shenandoah
National Park about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C., in the hills outside
of Front Royal, VA. The CTFS-ForestGEO-Forest Ecosystems & Climate lab (led
by Kristina Anderson-Teixeira) conducts a range of research with the overall
goal of understanding the dynamics of forest ecosystems worldwide in an era
of global change.

Qualifications & Position Information

Candidates should be advanced undergraduates or recent university graduates
and have coursework in ecology, conservation biology, entomology,
environmental sciences, or a closely related field. Field experience in
terrestrial ecosystem ecology, forestry, entomology, or a related field is
essential plus the ability to follow established survey and protocols, and
collect detailed and accurate data. Candidates must have the ability to work
in the field for prolonged hours in hot and humid conditions, to work
independently and to collaborate effectively as part of a research team.
Sampling techniques will include sampling from truck-mounted elevated platforms.

This is a four- to six-month position with a start date is mid-April 2016.
The position(s) will be compensated with a stipend sufficient to cover
living expenses, potentially including on-site housing.

Application procedure

To apply, please email a cover letter describing your qualifications and
interest in the position, CV, and contact information for 3 references to
Erika Gonzalez-Akre at gonzalezeb@si.edu. Deadline for application is
January 30, 2016.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce; female and
minority candidates are encouraged to apply.