[ES_JOBS_NET] Graduate student position (MS or PhD) at University of Minnesota researching permafrost-affected soils in Alaska

[Aimee Gillespie]

Hi ES community,

The Jelinski Lab <https://www.jelinskilabpedology.org/> in the Department
of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota is seeking a
graduate research assistant (MS or PhD applicants may be considered)
starting in Summer or Fall 2021. A copy of this announcement can be found
here <https://www.jelinskilabpedology.org/announcements>.

This student will conduct field research, laboratory analysis, and
quantitative modeling of permafrost-affected soils in Alaska. Research
topics may include:

   1. the quantification of organic carbon stocks in permafrost-affected
   soils,
   2. the morphology and genesis of permafrost-affected soils in Alaska,
   and
   3. application of geospatial techniques to improve knowledge of the
   distribution of permafrost-affected soils.

The student will be a member of the Land and Atmospheric Science graduate
program based on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota.

This position will require fieldwork in Alaska (~4-6 weeks/year), in remote
areas with difficult terrain and under all weather conditions. This
position will include opportunities to assist in teaching Basic Soil
Science, Field Study of Soils, and Soil Judging. Students will be supported
in professional development and networking opportunities, including
collaborations with scientists at federal agencies and opportunities to
attend national and international conferences. This graduate assistantship
includes a stipend (~$26,340 in the first year with a 2.2% stipend increase
every subsequent year), as well as full tuition, health insurance, and
research expense coverage.

Required qualifications:

   - Bachelor’s degree with an interest in soil-vegetation relationships
   and geospatial analysis.
   - Ability to carry at least 30-40 lbs across difficult terrain during
   field sampling work *(applicants unable to meet this requirement may
   describe any necessary accommodations as an addendum to their application
   statement).
   - Demonstrated scientific writing skills. *(may include coursework,
   research, or professional experiences)
   - A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one *(applicants unable
   to meet this requirement may describe any necessary accommodations as an
   addendum to their application statement).

Preferred qualifications:

   - Previous experience, or interest, in teaching.
   - Interest in or direct experience with improving data access for Native
   Alaskan or Indigenous communities; or member of Native Alaskan or
   Indigenous communities.
   - Introductory coding experience (e.g., R or Python).
   - Introductory experience in ArcGIS, QGIS or other geospatial analysis
   platforms.
   - Interest in obtaining First Aid or Wilderness Medical training
   (financial support provided).
   - Major or minor in soil science, environmental science, or
   closely-related field.
   - Knowledge of soil morphology, genesis, and taxonomy.
   - Previous experience in planning and/or implementing trip logistics.

Interested candidates should submit the following to jelinskilab at umn.edu
with the subject line “[LastName-FirstName]-Research Assistant Interest”
(please fill in your own last name for “LastName-FirstName”). Application
review will begin on *March 26th, 2021* and continue until the position is
filled:

   1. A statement of one page or less that includes: 1) previous research
   or educational experience, 2) how this assistantship can serve your career
   objectives, and 3) the perspectives you have gained from personal
   background and life experiences.
   2. CV or resume

These materials will be reviewed by an independent panel of staff and
graduate students. Top candidates will be passed to Dr. Jelinski, who will
contact potential applicants for further information including references
and transcripts. The successful applicant will then apply to the Land and
Atmospheric Science graduate program.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its
programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public
assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression. The Department of Soil Water and Climate is committed to
maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment; inviting and
encouraging diverse and under-represented perspectives; actively and
intentionally incorporating educational and research content that reflects
diverse ways of understanding our world; identifying and working together
toward elimination of cultural, structural, and institutional barriers to
inclusivity and success; listening to feedback, engaging in dialogue, and
continuously re-evaluating our progress towards our aspirations. The Department
of Soil, Water, and Climate’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity statement
can be found here <https://www.swac.umn.edu/about-us/diversity>.

Aimee L. Gillespie (she/her) | gille664 at umn.edu | Department of Soil,
Water, and Climate
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