Position Description
The Finlay Lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Minnesota is hiring undergraduate student researchers and recent graduates to work on a variety projects examining inland water quality and ecosystem ecology in Minnesota. These projects cover a range of topics, but all link watershed characteristics and processes to freshwater ecosystems. The Minnesota River Basin project seeks to identify how aquatic ecosystems respond to environmental change in a largely agricultural landscape. A stormwater project focuses on nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in urban environments. A lake remote sensing project links optical properties of lakes across Minnesota to satellite imagery and watershed characteristics. We are also hiring one student for a project that examines nutrient dynamics in restored wetlands in agricultural landscapes of Western MN.
Duties
The undergraduate researchers will assist teams of postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and fellow undergrads in Dr. Jacques Finlay’s lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. Primary duties will include collecting and analyzing physical, chemical and biological data from lakes, streams, and wetlands throughout Minnesota. Field activities will include sampling of lakes, ponds, bluffs, and streams for water quality parameters. Lab activities will include preparation of field equipment, filtering and processing water and sediment samples for a suite of water quality variables. Although this is a 40 hour per week position, field days may be long and occasionally may involve overnight travel. Most projects are based in the Ecology Building on St. Paul Campus with field sample collection requiring travel.
Qualifications
Applicants need not have prior experience with field or lab methods, but should have a strong interest in learning methods in stream ecology, a capacity for attention to detail, and the ability to work well with others and stay positive during long field and lab days and in sometimes difficult (i.e., hot, buggy, muddy) field conditions. Experience with small boats and kayaks/canoes for the CDOM project would be ideal. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Jacques Finlay at jfinlay@umn.edu with a resume and contact information for two references.