Position Overview:
The Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) has opportunities for students to work as plant community ecology interns, research field supervisors, and spring ecology technicians. Many positions run from June through August, but some technicians will be needed as early as March and as late as October. As a research intern or technician, you will contribute to ongoing field experiments, have the opportunity to initiate individual research, attend scientific seminars, and interact with professors, post-docs, and graduate students.
Research Overview:
Cedar Creek LTER research examines ecological processes occurring from the individual physiological level to the ecosystem level in response to (1) a variety of climate change scenarios including elevated CO2, increased temperature, increased nitrogen deposition, biodiversity loss, and altered precipitation patterns; (2) land management practices including prescribed burning and agricultural production; and (3) varied land use histories. Some of these projects include the Big Biodiversity experiment, BioCON, and FAB (https://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/research). Research is headed by a number of faculty from research institutions across the United States.
Independent Project Opportunities:
In a typical year, interns have the opportunity to conduct their own research project with the guidance of a graduate student mentor. They go through the entire research experience from writing a proposal to data collection to presenting their results at a symposium at CCESR. COVID-19 restrictions will dictate how much of this program we can provide this summer.
Research site:
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is an eight square mile tract of land 35 miles north of the Twin Cities. Cedar Creek is endowed with a diverse mosaic of prairie, savanna, sedge meadows, bogs, open water, forests, and even abandoned agricultural fields. Its large size, great natural diversity, and uniform soil substrate make it ideal for ecosystem studies. To learn more detailed information about experiments, researchers, and the Cedar Creek area please visit our website at www.cedarcreek.umn.edu.
To apply for any of the above intern positions please visit our website, z.umn.edu/ccjobs. The deadline for application submission is February 22nd. For those interested in a spring position, please apply by February 8th. For any questions regarding the internships or application please email ccintern@umn.edu.
