Arctic Tundra Research | University of Alaska, Fairbanks

We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduate researchers interested in summer
field research in Alaska for two Research Experience for Undergraduates
(REU) positions in the Bret-Harte and Ruess labs at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks.  Our overall research objective is to understand the consequences
of potential future changes in arctic vegetation for arctic ecosystems and
the rest of the world.  In this project, we are focusing on the mechanisms
by which increasing abundance of large deciduous shrubs in tundra ecosystems
may alter the near-surface cycling of C and N, and feedbacks to further
vegetation change. You will assist with fieldwork in arctic tundra and
laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry.
You will collaborate closely with the principal investigator, graduate
students, and technicians to develop an independent research project of your
own that will build on the ongoing research, and will present your work at
an informal symposium at the Toolik Field Station. In addition, you will
attend weekly seminars on the research at the station.  One student will be
based at the Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic
Alaska (http://toolik.alaska.edu), which is the focus of research by nearly
>100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecology
projects.  The other student will be based in Fairbanks, Alaska, with
frequent trips camping in the boreal forest, and some time at Toolik Field
Station.  Both positions will last approximately 10 weeks, starting in
mid-June, though there is some flexibility.

Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics,
and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or
laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a
remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant
identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel,
and data analysis. You must be willing to work in the field, occasionally
under adverse weather conditions.  A valid U.S. drivers’s license is
preferred.  Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people
desired!  We want the work to be both fun and challenging.  You must be a
U.S. citizen or permanent resident and currently enrolled in an
undergraduate degree program, with graduation expected no sooner than fall
2017.  You must provide a copy of your social security card at the time of
employment.  Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in this position, send 1) a copy of your resume,
including the names and contact information for 3 references, 2) a list of
your coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and math/statistics, and 3)
a cover letter than explains why you are interested, describes your
background and research experience, and includes anything that you think
would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this
position, to Syndonia Bret-Harte, msbretharte@alaska.edu by March 25, 2018.
We will contact you to discuss the position.