Part-Time Research Technician – Krauss Wetland Ecophysiology Lab

Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. Go directly to the application.

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. This position is officially based at LUMCON’s DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, 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.

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 and 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
• Data management experience

Essential Duties

• 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
• Mentor undergraduates during REU and STEM Prep programs during summer months
• Ability to work in hot and swampy field settings

Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.