Volunteer field assistant wanted for Icelandic lake ecology project
Project description:
A volunteer field assistant position is available for a study of
Icelandic lake food webs, as part of the research for a PhD student at the
University of Iceland and University of Washington, in collaboration with
Hólar University College in northwest Iceland. The goal of the project is
to analyze patterns in lake food webs over a gradient of Arctic charr
(Salvelinus alpinus) morphological diversity. The field work will involve
a combination of gill-netting, electrofishing, minnow-trapping, and
invertebrate sampling.
Position requirements and provisions:
The applicant is expected to aid in field sampling (~80% time) and
processing samples in the laboratory (~20% time). An individual research
project can be arranged as well. The applicant must be able to commit to
at least 8 weeks of assistance from around mid-July to mid-September
(exact dates are flexible). The work will average ~40 hrs/week, but the
applicant must be willing to periodically work long hours, on weekends,
and in adverse weather conditions. He or she must also be in good physical
condition, since field sites will be remote. Willingness to hike with
heavy equipment (20 kg) for short distances is also required. Potential
candidates must be willing to spend long hours (~5 hrs) in the car and
camp periodically for up to 3 nights in ~5º C weather (at the coldest).
All transportation costs within Iceland, accommodation costs (for shared
apartments and guest houses), and food will be covered while in Iceland. A
one-way ticket out of Iceland will also be provided, not to exceed $400
USD.
Costs incurred by the volunteer:
The applicant must pay for his or her one-way ticket into Iceland
and any costs exceeding $400 (USD) on a return flight. He or she must also
bring a sleeping bag (~5° C warmth) and sleeping pad (~1 in thickness),
all-weather gear (i.e., rain jacket, rain pants, water-proof shoes), and
waders or hip-boots without leaks.
To apply:
If you have any questions about the position, please contact the
doctoral student, Pamela Woods, at [email protected] . To apply, send
an e-mail with an attached CV that includes contact information for two
references. Please also briefly summarize your current position, why you
are interested in this position, and provide a phone number with good
times (including time zone) to reach you.
