The Department of Environmental Science of the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus is seeking a research staff for the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Program (LUQ) located in El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico. LUQ is part of a network of LTER sites (lternet.edu) located in the US, Antarctica, and the south Pacific committed to place-based, long-term studies of key ecological issues.
We seek dynamic and resourceful individuals with a Master of Science in Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering or a related field with broad interests and experiences as well as strong organizational skills. Available positions include Research Manager of the Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP) and Data Acquisition Manager. For the LFDP, the required abilities for research management include a combination of 1) experience with ecological fieldwork and strong managerial and quantitative faculties; 2) excellent interpersonal and leadership skills to communicate in English verbally and in writing with scientists and support staff, and supervise technicians, interns, and students who assist with field work, data collection, and entry; 3) a high level of experience with word processing, spreadsheet, relational databases, R programming, graphics, and/or GIS software.
In addition to these skills, the Data Acquisition Manager will also require 4) Experience with database queries and relational database management, using for example Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL or similar systems; and 5) knowledge of data acquisition infrastructure (e.g., data loggers, sensors, radios) and software and an ability to trouble shoot problems on site. This position may also require 6) Knowledge of web content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, etc), interfacing with relational database systems using common programming languages (Pythos, PHP, etc) and processing and communications software in support of research and public data dissemination.
Either position may require 7) administrative background to serve as a liaison among various individuals, institutions and agencies conducting LUQ research, including US university partners and the USDA Forest Service in order assist the Lead PI with the scientific management of the LTER Program.
Preferred skills include knowledge of Spanish, budget and grant preparation, and experience working in tropical countries.
These are full-time, contractual Assistant Investigator positions, based at El Verde Field Station in Río Grande, Puerto Rico. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a benefits package with health care. Interested applicants should submit a letter of intent including a statement of career goals, curriculum vitae, copy of university transcripts, and contact information for three references to luqlter@gmail.com. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2019. Please send enquires to Jess K. Zimmerman, Lead PI, Luquillo LTER Program (jesskz@ites.upr.edu).
