Research Assistant: Mitigation Banking
We are seeking a Research Assistant to begin in Summer or Fall 2021. The Research Assistant will be supervised by Dr. Paige Ferguson and Dr. Nate Jones in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama and will collaborate with local and regional restoration practitioners who are involved with mitigation banking.
The Research Assistant will lead a literature review and manuscript writing focused on evaluating the utility of the performance standards and success criteria that the Army Corps of Engineers uses to evaluate the success of mitigation banking projects. The Research Assistant will (1) locate and read scientific literature, government reports, and industry white papers; (2) synthesize results about how success criteria have been applied across variable topography, climate, and biological communities and when the different success criteria can suitably assess success of the mitigation bank; and (3) write a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal (the Research Assistant will be first author).
This is a great opportunity for a Research Assistant to network with both academic and industry professionals, contribute to research that will make a difference in ecosystem restoration, and be the first author on a peer-reviewed publication. There is also the opportunity to work remotely or from Tuscaloosa.
Applicants should have a background in many of the following: aquatic ecology, stream and wetland restoration, forest ecology, forest restoration, mitigation banking, natural resource management, environmental law and policy, environmental engineering. Applicants should have at least a BS degree or be working towards a BS degree related to the disciplines listed above (applicants with advanced degrees will be given attention, and pay will be scaled according to experience). Applicants should have experience searching for scientific literature, interpreting scientific literature, writing scientific papers, oral presentations, collaborating with scientists and industry staff. Applicants should be highly motivated, prepared to conduct independent research, experienced in prompt and thorough work, and skilled at working with diverse collaborators in a clear and respectful way.
To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu) the following:
1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project, prior experiences that have prepared you for the Research Assistant position, dates you would be available to start, and whether you would work remotely or from Tuscaloosa
2. your CV
3. a sample of your scientific writing
4. contact information for 3 references
Application are due April 15. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The hourly pay will be scaled in proportion to experience, and health insurance and other benefits are included. Details can be discussed during interviews with top candidates.
Additional information is available from the following links:
Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/
Dr. Jones’ Research: https://bsc.ua.edu/profiles/nate-jones/
UA Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/
University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu
Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services
The Research Assistant will lead a literature review and manuscript writing focused on evaluating the utility of the performance standards and success criteria that the Army Corps of Engineers uses to evaluate the success of mitigation banking projects. The Research Assistant will (1) locate and read scientific literature, government reports, and industry white papers; (2) synthesize results about how success criteria have been applied across variable topography, climate, and biological communities and when the different success criteria can suitably assess success of the mitigation bank; and (3) write a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal (the Research Assistant will be first author).
This is a great opportunity for a Research Assistant to network with both academic and industry professionals, contribute to research that will make a difference in ecosystem restoration, and be the first author on a peer-reviewed publication. There is also the opportunity to work remotely or from Tuscaloosa.
Applicants should have a background in many of the following: aquatic ecology, stream and wetland restoration, forest ecology, forest restoration, mitigation banking, natural resource management, environmental law and policy, environmental engineering. Applicants should have at least a BS degree or be working towards a BS degree related to the disciplines listed above (applicants with advanced degrees will be given attention, and pay will be scaled according to experience). Applicants should have experience searching for scientific literature, interpreting scientific literature, writing scientific papers, oral presentations, collaborating with scientists and industry staff. Applicants should be highly motivated, prepared to conduct independent research, experienced in prompt and thorough work, and skilled at working with diverse collaborators in a clear and respectful way.
To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu) the following:
1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project, prior experiences that have prepared you for the Research Assistant position, dates you would be available to start, and whether you would work remotely or from Tuscaloosa
2. your CV
3. a sample of your scientific writing
4. contact information for 3 references
Application are due April 15. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The hourly pay will be scaled in proportion to experience, and health insurance and other benefits are included. Details can be discussed during interviews with top candidates.
Additional information is available from the following links:
Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/
Dr. Jones’ Research: https://bsc.ua.edu/profiles/nate-jones/
UA Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/
University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu
Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services
