Bama AIMS Crew is Hiring!
We seek a post-bachelor research technician to join the Aquatic Intermittency Effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) team. AIMS is a dynamic research project consisting of researchers from 8 institutions representing three ecosystems (i.e., Intermountain West, Great Plains, and Southeastern Forests) and a breadth of disciplines (i.e., biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, and hydrology). Broadly, our group’s goal is to better understand how stream drying impacts the physical, chemical, and biological functions of downstream waters.
The successful candidate will work with AIMS researchers (PIs, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students) at the University of Alabama. Job duties would vary day-to-day, with significant time dedicated to fieldwork and laboratory analyses. The research technician will conduct both routine fieldwork (maintenance of in-situ water quality sensors, water and macroinvertebrate sampling, etc.) as well as larger concerted sampling events (e.g., synoptic water quality sampling). Thus, the candidate will need to be comfortable hiking off-trail, spending long days in hot-humid conditions, and working in a variety of other environments (i.e., swamps to mountain streams). In addition to fieldwork, this position will include lab work, sample/data processing, and other important organizational tasks. As a result, the candidate ideally will have a high attention to detail, be well-organized, and wish to learn new skills. Lastly, the research technician will have the opportunity to develop independent research that uniquely fits their interests within the AIMS project. There is the potential for the successful candidate to transition to a graduate student at the University of Alabama after one year.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have previous fieldwork experience and an interest in aquatic science. We are also particularly interested in applicants who are team-oriented, dependable, and enthusiastic. Candidates must have received a B.S. in ecology, limnology, geography, fisheries, or a related field by the start date.
Start Date: May-August 2022
Duration: 12 months with potential to renew
To apply: Applicants interested in the position should send an email with subject “AIMS technician” including a one-page cover letter describing their interest and qualifications along with their CV to Dr. Nate Jones and copy Drs. Carla Atkinson (clatkinson@ua.edu) and Drs. Jon Benstead (jbenstead@ua.edu).
Materials should include:
1. Cover letter mentioning the “Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS)” position, a description of past research experience, and the names and contact information of 3 references (maximum of two pages).
2. Curriculum vitae
About the University of Alabama:
The University of Alabama is the flagship campus of the University System of Alabama, with an enrollment of over 35,000 students. The University is committed to achieving excellence as one of the country's primary centers of research and education. It is located in the vibrant college town of Tuscaloosa, AL, which boasts many cultural and athletic activities. The campus also benefits from close proximity to the Birmingham metropolitan community. The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.