Research Internship on greenhouse gas fluxes from subtropical grazing lands

Starting date: Mid to end May/beginning June 2017

Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degrees Contemplating Graduate School

Includes independent research project. Provides Weekly stipend, Room, and
Food stipend.

Internship at MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC), a division
of Archbold Biological Station, in south-central Florida in the
Agro-Ecology Program.

The successful intern will be supervised by Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas
(University of Illinois) and Dr. Elizabeth Boughton (MAERC). The intern
will be exposed to research in biogeochemistry, grassland and wetland
ecology, and disturbance ecology (grazing, fire, flooding). Primarily, the
intern will work on a project investigating how cattle grazing and fire
affect the exchange of greenhouse gases between the atmosphere and grazed
pastures. This project is a collaborative effort between the University of
Illinois (Drs. Evan H DeLucia, Carl J Bernacchi and Nuria
Gomez-Casanovas), Cornell University (Dr. Jed Sparks) and MAERC (Drs.
Elizabeth Boughton and Hilary Swain).

The successful intern will be trained to use a variety of instruments to
measure: net ecosystem CO2 exchange and soil greenhouse gas fluxes (N2O,
CH4, CO2). Other fieldwork will include aboveground and belowground
biomass, and soil collection. Long days and work on weekends may be
required during intense data collection campaigns. Preference will be
given to candidates who demonstrate experience with similar measurements
or a strong background (coursework) in biogeochemistry, but all are
encouraged to apply. Additionally, candidates with experiences that
demonstrate proficiency working outdoors will be considered.

Internships offer an opportunity for providing novel insights into some of
the most profound issues challenging our world: securing food in a
sustainable way; and for learning how research works.

Interns receive room, a meal allowance, and a weekly stipend of $100. They
typically work 20 hours per week as research assistants and the remainder
on an independent research project. Internships run for 6 months but are
flexible in their duration.

The intern must be able to tolerate living on a remote cattle ranch and
provide their own transportation for personal activities. MAERC is a
division of Archbold Biological Station with eight permanent staff,
located 11 miles away from the main field station. MAERC is operated as a
commercial cattle ranch which serves as a research platform to investigate
ecological and environmental challenges on working landscapes.

Archbold Biological Station is active in research, conservation, and
education. Our facilities include a 5000 ha preserve, an outstanding
regional library and a GIS lab. We have a staff of about 50 with many
visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological
station atmosphere. The Station cannot hire people without legal status to
work in the U.S.

To apply for this internship, please provide the following: a cover letter
stating research interests, a description of previous research experience,
a resume or CV, a summary of grades, and two letters of recommendation
before 17 April 2017. Please email applications to: Dr. Nuria
Gomez-Casanovas, ngomezca@igb.illinois.edu.

Should you require further information please email Dr. Gomez-Casanovas.