REU summer research positions for Project Baseline

The lab of Steve Franks at Fordham University is offering Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU positions) through Project Baseline in summer 2014. Multiple positions are available. Project Baseline is an NSF-funded, nationwide effort to create a seed bank for studies of plant evolutionary responses to climate change. REU students will assist with seed and data collection efforts in the field, and will also conduct independent research related to the goals of the project and to plant evolutionary ecology. The positions are based at Fordham University in New York City, but field work and collections will take place throughout the eastern United States. For more on the Franks lab, see http://sfrankslab.wordpress.com. For more on Project Baseline, see http://www.baselineseedbank.org/. Applicants must be currently enrolled and in good standing at an accredited college or university, have some undergraduate education in biology, ecology or a related field, or equivalent experience, and be willing to travel for extended periods of time, carry equipment, and work in the field under adverse conditions. Desirable: 1) Research and/or field experience, 2) Interest in plant ecology, evolution, or global change, 3) Background in or willingness to learn plant identification, 4) Evidence of dedication, motivation, ability to work in a team, communication skills, and attention to detail, 5) a current valid driver¹s license. Successful applicants will receive a stipend, and costs of transportation and housing/camping during field work will be provided. The positions will run from around mid-May/ early June through mid-August, and exact start and end dates are flexible. Interested applicants should submit, as a single pdf: 1) a brief cover letter describing their qualifications and research interests; 2) a résumé or CV and 3) contact information of two references. Applications should be submitted by March 14, 2014 by email to the Project Baseline postdoc for the eastern region, Dr. Jennifer Weber (jweber11@fordham.edu). Inquiries may be sent to this address or to Dr. Steve Franks (franks@fordham.edu). Note: Unfortunately, we are unable to fund international students for this position. Fordham University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. Qualified applicants of all backgrounds and career goals are encouraged to apply.