Position Description and Application Information
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Install, operate, and troubleshoot automated systems for measuring gas fluxes from soil
- Assist with organizing, compiling, and analyzing data
- Collect plant, soil, gas, and water samples from field sites; process and analyze plant, soil, gas, and water samples in the laboratory
- Assist with stable isotope tracer experiments and laboratory assays for carbon and nitrogen cycling processes
- Supervise undergraduate students assisting with this project, including training, assigning work, and tracking work performance and deliverables
EDUCATION:
Required: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on depth and breadth of experience and skills as related to this position.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., above and belowground plant sampling, trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography). Experience may include time in student status if relevant.
Preferred: Experience running analytical instrumentation for soil, water and gas samples (gas chromatograph, isotope ratio mass spectrometer). Experience with field measurements of plant gas exchange and biomass allocation or laboratory assays for soil carbon and nitrogen cycling processes.
TRAINING, LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:
Required: Valid U.S. driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Ability to work long days in the field under hot and humid conditions. Position involves lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds for short durations. Strong organizational skills. Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel). Ability to work in a large collaborative team environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: Research sites are located in Central Illinois, so this position will require frequent short travel for field sampling campaigns. Field work including working in adverse weather and field conditions.
SALARY: $36,000 to $40,000 per year commensurate with skills and experience.
APPOINTMENT STATUS: Full-time academic professional, grant-supported appointment renewable annually pending continued funding and satisfactory progress within the position. Qualified individuals will be eligible to receive vacation, sick, and personal leave; retirement through the State Universities Retirement System; and group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
