Position Announcements
Marine Ecosystem Ecology Seasonal Research Assistant
Marine Ecosystem Ecology Seasonal Research
Assistant at Oregon State University.
Job ID#: OS-2012
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 and R/V Kalipi; water
sample collection; deployment, maintenance, and
retrieval of oceanographic instruments. Shore
and lab work may include: chlorophyll-a and
nutrient analysis of water samples; entering
data; making sample devices; maintaining field
equipment; preparing field collectors; counting
mussels and barnacles under a microscope;
measurement of mussel growth; 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.
Qualifications:
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work on a ship in rough seas
• Ability to conduct repetitive laboratory
tasks with accuracy and precision
• Ability to work collaboratively as part
of an ecological research team
• Interest in near shore physical and
biological oceanography
• Prior experience working on small boats
in the open ocean
• Prior experience with laboratory
analysis
• First Aid and CPR certification
• 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
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: early April 2012 through September, 2012.
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# OS-2012 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)
• 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 20,
2012.