NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates

 
 

REU Research opportunity 

Join a research team studying environmental change in lakes throughout the mountains of California

Application Deadline: May 30, 2024

Position duration: June 30 – September 30, 2024

Project Description: Mountain lakes and ponds are important indicators of environmental change. Our research seeks to understand how anthropogenic effects alter the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems in the mountains of California. We are exploring factors affecting temperature, carbon and nutrient cycling rates, food web structure, genetic diversity among invertebrate and amphibian communities, and the development of filamentous algal blooms in near shore environments. Research will be conducted in Emerald Lake (Sequoia National Park), Castle Lake (Shasta-Trinity National Forest), and at other small mountain lakes located throughout the Sierra Nevada.

Position requirements: Applicants should have considerable backcountry experience and the ability to carry heavy (50 lb.) loads extended distances over steep and uneven terrain. They should be comfortable working in rowboats and will be expected to work independently and, at times, without supervision. A general understanding of aquatic ecology and limnology, environmental chemistry, and computers is desirable. Applicants will be expected to camp on-site at long term research locations or backpack and camp when conducting lake surveys. Applicants will assist with trip preparation, sample and data collection in the field, and post-trip sample/data processing at the UC Davis campus (Davis, California).

Benefits: Hourly wage commensurate with experience, travel support, food allowance

Send a copy of your resume and a one page statement of interest that addresses the following areas:

  1. Extent of backpacking experience and prior involvement in logistical planning for trips

  2. Experience operating boats or other watercraft

  3. Experience with field research in general and limnological/aquatic research more specifically

  4. Dates of availability

 Email application information to Adrianne Smits (asmits@ucdavis.edu) or Steve Sadro (ssadro@ucdavis.edu).

·       Please put “Application mountain lakes 2024” in the subject line

·       Please submit application materials as a single pdf file with the following name format: “Doe_Jane_2024_Application.pdf”