[ECOLOG-L] Field/Lab Research Specialist position with Nancy Grimm's urban and stream ecosystems lab
Full-Time Research Specialist position - Arizona State University
Duties and Responsibilities
The Urban and Stream Ecosystems Laboratory (Nancy Grimm’s research group) with the
School of Life Sciences will be hiring a Research Specialist/Lab Manager to assist with
ecological and biogeochemical field and laboratory research. Dr. Grimm and her team are
conducting research on aridland streams and urban aquatic systems. The Research
Specialist/Lab Manager will work with researchers in stream ecology (with a long-term
project on Sycamore Creek, AZ and a new collaborative project studying stream
metabolism across the continent) and urban ecology (with the Central Arizona-Phoenix
LTER and Urban Resilience to Extremes SRN). This position is funded by various grants for
an initial appointment of one year, with an expectation of extension to the end of the
funding period of the grants (December 2020). Continuation beyond the end of the grants
is contingent on future grant funding. The start date is 1 July 2017, and the salary range is
$38,000 - $45,000 per year (depending on experience).
The successful applicant will perform a variety of work including standard field and
laboratory observational and experimental procedures; installation, maintenance, and
trouble-shooting of field sensors; laboratory organization and maintenance; collection,
evaluation, analysis, and management of ecological data; and assistance with preparation
of graphical material and manuscripts. The Research Specialist also will supervise
undergraduate field and laboratory assistants. Field and laboratory research includes
measurements of physical properties and structure of stream/riparian systems; biotic
standing crops of e.g., algae, invertebrates, and wetland vegetation; biogeochemical and
hydrologic processes; and ecosystem metabolism.
Minimum Qualifications– Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences or a related field
AND two years related ecological or biogeochemical research experience; OR, any
equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable
knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Experience conducting ecological field and laboratory analyses, including
troubleshooting equipment and methods.
• Driver’s license and ability to drive an off-road vehicle
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in sometimes hot conditions, ability to carry
equipment and field supplies up to 40 lb.
• Basic office skills and proficiency with standard computer platforms and software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desired Qualifications– Experience with: stream metabolism and nutrient spiraling
measurements; standard techniques of water chemistry analysis; stream monitoring
instrumentation, particularly hydrologic gauging instruments, automated water samplers
(ISCO), field sensors (chloride, nitrate (SUNA), pressure transducers, micrometeorology
instrumentation), data loggers, and sondes; statistical software such as R; GIS and other
spatial mapping or analysis tools.
Experience or knowledge of: stream ecology, hydrology, or biogeochemistry; taxonomy of
benthic macroinvertebrates and/or benthic algae; using isotopes in ecological or
hydrological research; using spreadsheets, databases and/or other data management
software.
Arizona State University is located in Tempe, Arizona, a vibrant college town in the Salt
River valley of metro Phoenix in central Arizona, and close to countless outdoor
recreational activities. ASU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume/CV to Lindsey Pollard at
[email protected]. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and will be accepted
until 1 June.
