Research Specialist for Reynolds Creek Critical Zone Observatory
The Department of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University seeks a full-time research specialist to assist an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, hydrologists, and geologists as part of a new NSF funded Reynolds Creek Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) with laboratory and field experiments and observations involving measurement of soil carbon and other properties as well as aboveground productivity measurements, stream and gaseous measurements of carbon dioxide and water vapor and aboveground productivity measurements. Field and laboratory duties include 1) analytical management of elemental analyzers, automated spectrophotometers, high temperature combustion organic carbon and nitrogen analyzer and isotopes, 2) design, construction, and maintenance of field and laboratory stream, soil-gas and soil-water analyses and data collection systems, 3) analyses of soil, gas, plants and water for carbon, mineral and nutrient analyses, 4) data analysis, and 5) interacting with and training of students and postdoctoral scientists. Field research will take place in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed and other sites in Idaho. Fieldwork will initially involve several 2 week trips to assist in soil surveys and then a few one-week per year trips thereafter and regular trips to maintain continuous measurements. Fieldwork will sometimes require physical effort with long hours in adverse conditions.
Minimum Qualifications: 1) a Bachelors degree in science or engineering, 2) demonstrated experience with analytical instrumentation, 3) proficiency with PC computers, 4) strong communication and quantitative skills, 5) self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision, and 6) drivers license.
Preferred Qualifications: 1) a Masters degree with research experience/thesis in Soil Science or Environmental Science or related degree, 2) experience with analytical chemical instrumentation and techniques -automated spectrophotometry, high temperature combustion organic carbon and nitrogen analyzer and isotopes, soil and water collections and methods. 3) datalogger programming experience, and 4) basic datalogging knowledge. This is a full time, grant funded position with an initial appointment of 12 months and potential for repeated renewal, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
http://www.czen.org/content/research-specialist-reynolds-creek-critical-zone-observatory