Louis Stokes Midwest Regional Center of Excellence

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Water Research Opportunity for Students

Categories: Employment, Undergraduate, Graduate Students

Date: 8/1/2021

Dr. Jennifer Murphy, hydrologist with the US Geological Survey at the Central Midwest Water Science Center, leads a national team of scientists trying to develop a proxy for harmful algal blooms in rivers (focusing on excessive algal biomass as opposed to algal toxins, right now). Her team seeks students (undergrad or grad) to help with their research efforts in and around the Chicago area and/or Champaign-Urbana.

Water Resources Data Analyst
Students will support a team of scientists working to develop a proxy for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in rivers and streams. Level of involvement will depend on skills and experience. At a minimum, students will query and retrieve surface water records from scientific databases; pre- and post-process data for use in empirical analyses and models; review scientific literature and reports on HAB identification and forecasting; and preform targeted analyses.

This work will be entirely remote, but students must be able to visit our DeKalb, IL office or Urbana, IL office when necessary. Desired (but not required) skills include working knowledge of the statistical software R (or other programing language), undergraduate course in statistics; previous course work in environmental science, biology, hydrology, ecological, and/or river science.

Desired Skills
1. Knowledge of Office365 software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required. 2. Undergraduate coursework in statistics. Prefer previous course work in environmental science, biology, hydrology, ecology, and/or river science. 3. Working knowledge of the statistical software R (or other programing language) highly desirable. 4. Basic understanding of chemical principles and laboratory safety procedures helpful.

Requirements
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and current student to apply. The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is a great opportunity to work with a team of scientists from across the country on a highly relevant and important topic. Work schedule: up to 40 hrs/wk during breaks and summer, 16-20 during semester Pay: $16.26-$22.53, depending on year in school and experience. See attached document for details on how to apply.

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