Graduate Research Assistant positions (GIS/spatial modeling desired) - Cape Code, MA

​Positions: Two Graduate Research Assistants in salt marsh invertebrate ecology (summer 2020, funded)
 
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore, US National Park Service, MA, USA
 
Dates: Late April through August 2020, with possibility of renewal in 2021 if performance is strong
 
Project manager / supervisor: Dr. Rachel Thiet, Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of Conservation Biology, Antioch University New England, Keene, NH, USA
 
Project description: This project is funded through two US National Park Service grants to Dr. Rachel Thiet, in collaboration with the US National Park Service / Cape Cod National Seashore and the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. The two Research Assistantships will provide full funding (salary and housing) for the summer 2020 field season. Funding is also secure for 2021; thus, one position may be renewed a second year if RA performance is strong. The RA will work with Dr. Thiet and her colleagues to characterize the benthic and epibenthic invertebrate food web (e.g., sediment invertebrates, shellfish and crabs) and horseshoe crab population ecology, and to conduct benthic habitat assessments of East Harbor, a partially restored, back-barrier salt marsh lagoon in N. Truro, MA, Cape Cod National Seashore. This project is part of an on-going assessment of long-term restoration outcomes at the site, and results from the project will inform science-based salt marsh habitat restoration and management on Cape Cod and throughout the National Park Service Coastal and Barrier Network.
 
The RAs will be expected to conduct field- and laboratory work between late April and August 2020 (29 hours per week), and will be expected to move to Cape Cod National Seashore to live in Visiting Researcher housing for the duration of the field season. Housing will be provided, and a stipend of approximately $5500 will be provided to each RA for the season (administered in installments every two weeks).
 
This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in salt marsh ecology and restoration, and to live and work with a team of experienced, passionate ecologists and managers. For more information about the project, visit the East Harbor Tidal Restoration webpage (https://www.nps.gov/caco/learn/nature/east-harbor-tidal-restoration-project-page.htm), or read Dr. Thiet’s publications about her on-going research at the site (https://www.antioch.edu/new-england/faculty/rachel-thiet/).
 
Qualifications: Qualified individuals will have:
 
1.     Strong interest in salt marsh ecology and restoration (experience in salt marshes is ideal but not required)
2.     Excellent attention to detail
3.     Excellent data management skills
4.     Experience using GIS (strong spatial modeling skills are ideal but not required)
5.     Excellent written and oral communication skills
6.     Willingness and ability to conduct strenuous daily fieldwork in water and under various weather conditions
7.     Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
8.     Willingness and ability to move to Cape Cod National Seashore researcher housing April-August 2020
9.     Desire to work in an active, stimulating community of scientists
 
To apply, submit a resume/CV, statement of interest and experience in salt marsh ecology/restoration, writing sample, and contact information for three references to Dr. Rachel Thiet at rthiet(at)antioch.edu, with “Cape Cod RA application” in the subject line. Deadline for applications is February 17, 2020.