Position Announcement

Research Assistant: Global Climate Change, Bioenergy, and Eco-Physiology
USDA-ARS Grassland, Soil and Water Research Lab
University of Texas at Austin
Temple, TX

Research Assistant: Global Climate Change, Bioenergy, and Eco-Physiology. Position stationed at the USDA-ARS Grassland, Soil and Water Research Lab, Temple, Texas.

The Section of Integrative Biology has a position (the first of two) available for a full-time research technician in a multi-location study examining switchgrass ecology and physiology under expected future rainfall regimes. This position is under the direction of Dr. Jim Kiniry (USDA-ARS, Temple, TX).

Field research will be physically strenuous, include long days in hot and humid conditions, and regular travel. Applicant's primary duties will include plant propagation in the greenhouse, switchgrass plot establishment and maintenance in remote locations, assistance in rain-out shelter construction, sample preparation, and detailed soil, plant, and weather data collection and data management. Familiarity with data logger programming and operation is desirable. Computer skills applicable to data management are necessary. Strong applicants will have experience in construction to rainout shelter construction.

Minimum education requirement is a BA/BS degree in ecology, biology, agronomy, or related field and previous experience with field plot research. This position requires an independent, organized, and motivated individual with demonstrated research skills. The successful candidate will be excited by field-based research, with a strong desire to learn, willingness to work collaboratively, and the ability to troubleshoot. Position is funded for one year, with renewal potential for up to four years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

To apply, please send single pdf file containing a letter of interest, resume (including relevant course work), and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Jim Kiniry. Application review will begin Nov 15, 2009 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Start date: Jan 1 - 15, 2010. Salary: $30-35K/yr.