The Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research Program (BLE LTER; https://ble.lternet.edu/) seeks to employ a full-time Research Assistant. The person hired for this position will work closely with BLE LTER program leaders and students to carry out physical, chemical, and biological research at field sites along the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast. The Research Assistant will also help maintain sample inventories, conduct sample processing, perform analyses, organize resultant data, and contribute to BLE-LTER reporting activities. This position is based at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas, TX.
Visit https://utmsi.utexas.edu/hr/employment-opportunities (Research Scientist Assistant R_00011526) for more information and to apply for the position. Applicants will need to submit a resume/CV, letter of interest, and the names (+ contact information) of three references. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, but no later than 1 February 2021 Position ends 31 Jan 2022 with possibility of extension.
# Essential Duties
Field and Laboratory work:
• Assist with logistics associated with field trips to the Alaska Beaufort Sea coast
• Assist with sample collection following SOPs at three BLE LTER nodes (Utqiagvik, Deadhorse, Kaktovik)
• Operate snow machines, ice drills, chain saws, and small boats for sample collection
• Assist with biota sorting and identification in the lab (dissecting scope work)
• Conduct routine laboratory analyses for constituents such as dissolved inorganic nutrients, dissolved and particulate organic matter, sediment grain size and chlorophyll
Communication and reporting:
• Assist with compilation of information for annual reports to NSF
• Help maintain accurate records and backups of BLE LTER data
• Assist with REU and RET selection and mentoring
• Maintain maintenance and field logs for BLE LTER instruments and sensors
• Participate in public education and outreach activities
# Required Qualifications
B.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science and two years of related experience; ability to use specialized research instrumentation/equipment as required by the project (equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate)
# Preferred Qualifications
M.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science; experience working in high latitude systems (all seasons); ability to conduct remote field work for extended periods ranging from 3-6 weeks away; experience with short- and long-term deployment of field instrumentation [for example, CTDs (RBR, YSI, Hobo, Star-Oddi), SeaFETS, LI-COR light meters, and Lowell tilt current meters]; familiarity with in situ sensors (pressure, dissolved oxygen, PAR, and chlorophyll), and associated instrumentation software; positive personality and ability to work in groups; evidence of professional writing and communication skills
# Salary Range
$32,000 + dependent on qualifications
Serious applicants may contact BLE LTER Program co-leads Ken Dunton (ken.dunton@utexas.edu) or Jim McClelland (jimm@utexas.edu) for additional information or questions.
