Internships in Stream Biogeochemistry, Ecosystems & Organic and Isotope Geochemistry
Biogeochemistry Field and Laboratory Assistants
The Stroud Water Research Center (SWRC) seeks motivated science majors throughout the year to assist in a wide variety of environmental research projects on the ecology, ecosystem dynamics, biogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry and organic geochemistry of streams and rivers. We typically employ 5-7 interns during the summer, and 1-3 interns during other seasons. The three research groups at the SWRC – led by Drs. Aufdenkampe, Kaplan and Newbold – together study energy flow, nutrient cycling , and organic matter composition and dynamics in stream and river ecosystems. Projects include following the movements of organic carbon and inorganic nitrogen from hillslopes to streams, the deposition and resuspension of organic particles in stream water, measurements of dissolved and particulate organic matter bioavailability, investigating streambed bacterial communities with molecular techniques, and determining the global importance of large rivers, such as the Amazon, as a sink or source of greenhouse gases. More information on research projects can be found at http://www.stroudcenter.org/research/index.htm.
Exceptional candidates will be considered for participation in a NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program that enriches the internship with an independent research project and possible academic credit at the student’s home institution. See http://www.stroudcenter.org/jobs/reu.htm for more details.
Internship Tasks include: (1) sample collection and other fieldwork, such as streamflow measurements and operation of data logging equipment, in streams local to the Stroud Water Research Center; (2) laboratory analysis of water and sediment samples for a variety of basic chemical properties such as dissolved gas, nutrient and sediment concentrations, carbon and nitrogen content, stable isotope signatures, spectroscopic signatures, and mineral surface area; and (3) assistance to full time staff with sample preparation and analysis of organic contaminants and natural carbohydrate and amino acid compositions. Interns will thus be exposed to a wide variety of modern laboratory instrumentation, including: elemental analysis (EA) – isotope ratios mass spectrometry (IRMS); surface area analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ion chromatography, and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Qualifications include: positive work ethic and attention to detail, training in basic wet-chemistry or microbiological methods, and basic computer skills. Course work in Organic Chemistry is highly desirable.
Stipend is a minimum of $370 per week. Starting and ending dates are negotiable.
Send cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable), and names, addresses, telephone numbers of three references to the address below. Email is preferred. Applications for summer positions will be reviewed beginning March 15 until positions are filled. Applicants who wish to be considered for a REU position should indicate their interest and qualifications for independent study.
Dr. Anthony K. Aufdenkampe
Stroud Water Research Center
970 Spencer Road
Avondale, Pa 19311
Email
The Stroud Water Research Center seeks to advance the global knowledge of freshwater streams, rivers and lakes through research, education and public outreach, and to promote stewardship of freshwater among businesses, landowners, policy makers and individuals, around the world. The SWRC is an independent, privately endowed 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The Stroud Water Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.