Research technician in freshwater ecology

Research technician position in freshwater ecology Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH Closing Date: Until Filled Web Address: Description One full-time position for a research assistant is available in the Aquatic Ecology Lab at The Ohio State University.

The Research Technician will work on the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources- Division of Wildlife (ODNR-DOW) funded Lake Erie Plankton Abundance Study (LEPAS). LEPAS has been monitoring phytoplankton and zooplankton in Lake Erie since 1995.

The Research Technicians' duties will include counting zooplankton samples, analyzing chlorophyll a samples, overseeing undergraduate volunteers/workers (helping with sample buffering, chlorophyll a samples, or counting Bythotrephes samples). The Research Technician will also mentor undergraduate workers and volunteers.

Ideally, the Research Technician would also help manage the LEPAS plankton database, prepare data for collaborators, and assist in drafting proposals, annual reports, and proposal budgets.

See to learn more about the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 65%- Processes Lake Erie zooplankton samples following established protocols.

Evaluates QAQC data to ensure data quality.

Helps to identify ways to improve the efficiency or accuracy of our research.

20%- Manages the LEPAS plankton database.

This includes writing and utilizing code to enter data into the database, query data from the database, and implement small structural changes to the database in response to errors or changes in programmatic needs.

Will also work with collaborators to provide them with data.

10%- Drafts narratives, budgets, and annual reports for project 5%- Trains and mentors undergraduates counting Bythotrephes, processing chlorophyll a samples, and buffering stored samples.

Varies from two to more than six students or summer workers.

Qualifications Minimum requirements: Bachelor's Degree in ecology or related field.

Two years of experience in laboratory enumerating invertebrate taxa, preferably zooplankton.

This experience could include undergraduate or graduate research.

Desired qualifications: Ability to identify Great Lakes zooplankton to species.

Proficiency with the R statistical language and SQL (structure query language) databases, including the ability to write R and SQL code for entering, querying, and manipulating data from an SQL database, as well as to implement corrections or structural changes in SQL databases for research purposes.

This is an excellent position to further develop R coding and database management skills.

How to Apply Applications can be submitted at The Ohio State University classified site: Please direct questions to Jim Hood ([email protected]). We will start reviewing applications on June 5th and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Jim Hood Ohio State University Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, 230 Research Center, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212 College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology Phone: [email protected]