Research Technician/Lab Manager
L.B. Flanagan Lab
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Lethbridge, Canada
A full-time position is available immediately to participate in a range of research projects including studies of ecosystem fluxes and the stable isotope composition of carbon dioxide, water vapor and plant organic materials in the context of global change and ecosystem ecology. Salary is competitive.
Some of these research projects are part of the Canadian Carbon Program Network (formerly Fluxnet-Canada, see www.fluxnet-canada.ca). The Canadian Carbon Program involves researchers from 12 different Canadian universities and four government agencies and offers unique opportunities for interactions among other research groups within the network.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
Operation and maintenance of a range of instruments including:
Finnigan MAT gas isotope ratio mass spectrometer, with Gas Bench and Elemental Analyzer peripherals;
Campbell Scientific tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer;
Eddy covariance flux instruments including sonic anemometers, infrared gas analyzers, associated meteorological equipment and Campbell Scientific data loggers
Supervision and instruction of students and junior research assistants in measurement techniques
Acquire data, document measurement and analysis techniques and calibration data, prepare data for archive/data information system
Minimum Qualifications:
B.Sc. degree or Technical Diploma and previous research experience with at least some of the instruments described above
Experience in computer programming preferably with MATLAB
Strong oral and written communication skills in English
A valid automobile driver=92s license
An ability to work independently
Relevant Recent Publications:
Ponton, S., L.B. Flanagan, K.P. Alstad, B.G. Johnson, K. Morgenstern, N. Kljun, T.A. Black, A.G. Barr. 2006. Comparison of ecosystem water-use efficiency among Douglas fir forest, aspen forest and grassland using eddy covariance and carbon isotope techniques. Global Change Biology 12: 294-310
Syed, K.H., L.B. Flanagan, P.J. Carlson, A.J. Glenn, K.E. Van Gaalen. 2006. Environmental control of net ecosystem CO2 exchange in a treed, moderately rich fen in northern Alberta. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 140: 97-114 (doi: 10.1016/j.agrformet.2006.03.022)
Glenn, A.J., L.B. Flanagan, K.H. Syed, P.J. Carlson. 2006. Comparison of net ecosystem CO2 exchange in two peatlands with contrasting dominant vegetation, Sphagnum and Carex. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 140: 115-135 (doi: 10.1016/j.agrformet.2006.03.020)
Alstad, K.P., C-T. Lai, L.B. Flanagan, J.R. Ehleringer. 2007. Environmental controls on the carbon isotope composition of ecosystem respired CO2 in contrasting forest ecosystems in Canada and USA. Tree Physiology 27: 1361-1374
Grant, R.F. and L. B. Flanagan 2007. Modeling stomatal and nonstomatal effects of water deficits on CO2 fixation in a semiarid grassland. Journal of Geophysical. Research (Biogeosciences) 112, G03011, doi:10.1029/2006JG000302
Local Environment:
The University is situated on the banks of the Oldman River in southern Alberta (200 km south of Calgary). Lethbridge provides most of the amenities and facilities of big cities within an affordable, small town environment. The city has a population of 80,000 but it acts as the service centre for the surrounding area, which extend into British Columbia and Montana, with a population of about 300,000. Lethbridge and the entire region of southern Alberta boast some of North America=92s most spectacular cultural and natural history sites. The area has a diverse range of ecosystems from native prairie, foothills, badlands, rivers, lakes and mountains, all under Alberta=92s big blue sky. Nearby the Head-Smashed in Buffalo Jump Interpretative Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park document the culture and history of the local native peoples. Waterton and Banff National Parks offer the breathtaking beauty and recreational opportunities of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The cost of living is low and the quality of life is high.
Application Procedures:
To apply =96 please submit an application letter that outlines your qualifications for the position along with a current resume. Applicants are encouraged to send application materials as WORD or pdf document attachments via e-mail.
Applications should be sent to:
Dr. L.B. Flanagan
Professor of Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive
Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4
Telephone: (403) 380-1858
FAX: (403) 329-2082
e-mail:larry.flanagan@uleth.ca