The position requires a doctoral degree in limnology, biology, paleolimnology, or other relevant discipline. The successful candidate will have expertise in freshwater diatom taxonomy and ecology, familiarity with statistical tools for analyzing paleoenvironmental data, and a working knowledge of nitrogen biogeochemistry.

The project concerns atmospheric deposition of inorganic N and diatom response in alpine lakes of Grand Teton National Park. We will analyze diatoms in alpine lake sediments to determine the chronology and magnitude of deposition of atmospheric N and its relationship to environmental change in high elevation aquatic ecosystems. The project aims to 1) determine the paleorecord in five high elevation lakes, 2) evaluate regional N emission, 3) consider community change in the context of endemic, invasive, and acidophilic taxa, 4) evaluate N impacts on Grand Teton lakes within the Rocky Mountains and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, 5) speculate on the interaction of atmospheric deposition of N and climate change impacts on high elevation lakes, and 6) calculate critical loads for the impact of inorganic N on diatom communities and ecosystems. The project includes an interdisciplinary team of researchers at USGS, University of Alberta, University of Colorado and NPS staff. Results are anticipated to not only reveal the current and historical condition of sensitive lakes in Grand Teton National Park, but also contribute to the larger body of knowledge on mountain ecosystems of western North America.

The 12-month position will begin September 2010, with salary ($40,000 / yr) and excellent benefits at the University of Colorado. To apply, please 1) send a curriculum vitae and letter of application that describes qualifications for the position and research interests and goals, and 2) arrange for 2 letters of recommendation to be sent to:

Sarah Spaulding
USGS / INSTAAR
Campus Box 450
University of Colorado
Boulder CO 80309
sarah.spaulding@usgs.gov
sarah.spaulding@colorado.edu