EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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LUMCON, a program of the Board of Regents, as a consortium is a statewide academic endeavor to focus and strengthen the effectiveness of foundational marine science needed to address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing Louisiana and the nation.

LUMCON has provided unparalleled opportunities in marine science and education to the research community and public alike. Anchored by a first-rate marine laboratory, the DeFelice Marine Center, LUMCON is embedded in Louisiana’s dynamic wetland environment and conveniently located on a gateway to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From this facility, LUMCON operates a world-class fleet of research vessels unmatched in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2023, LUMCON is expanding its programs through the opening of a maritime research and outreach facility in Houma.

Position Overview

The Wetland Ecophysiology Lab at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a part-time research technician (0.75 FTE) to join our interdisciplinary research team in support of a coastal swamp forest physiological ecology and eco-hydrology project. Research is collaborative with Louisiana State University’s School of Renewable Natural Resources. This research position is available immediately with applications being accepted until the position is filled.

The Wetland Ecophysiology Laboratory (Krauss Lab) is interested in understanding how ecosystem carbon and water cycles are linked, and to determine the role that environmental stress plays in disrupting that balance through internal shifts in tree stem and canopy physiology as well as by changing forest structural characteristics. Overall goals relate to restoration of forested wetland processes in degraded, devalued, reforested, and afforested lands in the State of Louisiana.

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, organized, and academically curious individual to participate in field and laboratory work studying coastal forested wetlands and estuaries. The technician will work closely with collaborators of the Krauss Lab and, at times, other LUMCON faculty. The Krauss Lab participates in REU and STEM Prep programs during summer months, and it is anticipated that the technician will help to mentor undergraduates during field data collection. Current projects in the Wetland Ecophysiology Laboratory include long-term studies on coastal swamp forest and salt marsh stress physiology, carbon budgeting, water budgeting and vegetation dynamics; Role of stress in affecting wetland response to sea-level rise (mangroves, coastal swamp forests, marshes), with national and international scope; Innovation development for measuring carbon and water cycling in financially feasible ways for better replication and international deployment. Use of field equipment, such as infrared gas analyzers, porometers, leaf area meters, and sap flow probes will be a regular part of this assignment.

This position is officially based at LUMCON’s DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (mailing address is Chauvin, LA); however, it is anticipated that up to 60% of the time will be spent on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge during collaborative endeavors with the Nyman Lab.

Please include a brief cover letter and a current resume or CV with your application.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in biology, forestry, ecology, or physical science.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Academic curiosity.
• Basic data analysis experience.

Ideal Candidate/Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a research technician, particularly having taken on field tasks.
• Experience with field and laboratory eco-physiological equipment.
• Experience with measurements of carbon and water cycling.
• Experience (and some official training) in boat operations (< 20 foot), including trailering.
• Experience with data QA/QC, including advanced MS Excel formulation.
• Experience with R (see, https://www.r-project.org/about.html).
• Data management experience.

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited the following:

• Implement a combination of field sampling and laboratory analyses.
• Provide leadership for a forest structural re-survey in coastal Louisiana swamp forests.
• Archive and analyze hydrological data from coastal wetland settings.
• Assist with lab organization and maintenance, both at LUMCON and LSU.
• Serve as lead in digitization of field notebooks/data sheets, data entry, and analysis.
• Contribute to project planning and logistics.
• Contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
• The ability to work in a group setting is essential, as the technician will work collaboratively with PIs, post docs, graduate and undergraduate students, and other research technicians.
• Ability to work in hot and swampy field settings.

How to Apply

Clicking the button below will redirect you to the current job opportunities for the state of Louisiana. Complete the electronic application on this site. You application can be used for this vacancy, as well as, future job opportunities.

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information

Dr. Ken W. Krauss
Professor, Associate Director of Science
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
kkrauss@lumcon.edu

Vacancy Information

• This is an unclassified position.
• This position is located in Cocodrie, LA.
• Applications will be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the minimum qualifications, submits an incomplete application, or fails to apply by the closing date of the announcement.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application listing complete work experience and education.
• Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript or any other materials as outlined in the posting to your application if possible.
• In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form (I-9) upon hire.

Board of Regents is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide.

Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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