Position Announcements
Physical Oceanography/Marine Ecology Seasonal Research Assistant
Physical Oceanography/Marine Ecology Seasonal Research Assistant available at Oregon State University.
Job ID#: PO2 2010
Job Description: We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to assist in scientific research in the nearshore oceanographic environment for the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO). This work has a strong focus on understanding how coastal ecosystem processes such as primary production, nutrient cycling and dissolved oxygen deficits (hypoxia) respond to changes in ocean conditions. Responsibilities include both laboratory and offshore field work. At sea work includes: participating in research cruises on the R/V Elakha, water sample collection; on-board water analysis, deployment, maintenance, and retrieval of oceanographic instruments; and occasional SCUBA diving (if qualified) to observe and recover moorings. Lab work includes: chlorophyll-a and nutrient analysis of water samples; entering data; making sample devices; maintaining field equipment; cleaning, preparing and labeling sample bottles and vials; assisting with instrument calibrations; and assisting professors, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students in their research as needed. This position requires working early mornings, long hours in the field and occasional weekends. It may also require staying at housing on the coast for short periods.
Required Qualifications:
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work on a ship in moderately rough conditions
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an ecological research team
• Interest in near shore physical and biological oceanography
Desirable Qualifications:
• Prior experience working on small boats in the open ocean
• Prior experience with laboratory analysis
• Physically fit, hardworking and willing to work required hours
• Marine biology and/or oceanography coursework and/or fieldwork
• AAUS scientific diving certification and cold water/ dry suit diving experience
• First Aid and CPR certification
Program: This project is part of the Partnership for the Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO), a large-scale marine research program that focuses on understanding the nearshore ecosystems of the U.S. West Coast . An interdisciplinary collaboration of scientists from four universities , PISCO integrates long-term monitoring of ecological and oceanographic processes at dozens of coastal sites with experimental work in the lab and field. We explore how individual organisms, populations, and ecological communities vary over space and time.
Salary: $11/hr.
Dates: Approximately mid-March 2010 through September, 2010.
Location: Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon
Housing: We do not offer housing.
Transportation: Transportation to and from field sites and dock is provided.
If you would like to apply for this position, please email with Job ID# PO2 2010 as subject:
• a letter of intent explaining your interest in this work, your background, your dates available, and other pertinent information
• a CV or resume
• a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial copies accepted)
• a copy of your dive logs (if applicable)
• email and phone contact information for at least two references
To: Jerod Sapp; PISCO lab manager; pisco@science.oregonstate.edu
For more information, contact Jerod by email or check out our website at www.piscoweb.org. Review of applications will begin February 15.