Field research assistant in Panamá

Project Description:
Tropical forest ecosystems have been found to be undergoing widespread changes. Of particular
concern is the increasing dominance of lianas (woody climbing vines). I am investigating whether
increasing CO2 is a viable explanation for increasing liana dominance and, if so, through what
mechanism CO2 favors lianas over trees. The study is being conducted at the Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. Liana and tree species will be grown in open-top plant growth
chambers and exposed to elevated levels of CO2.

Position Description:
Research assistant will have the opportunity to work closely with a PhD student to implement and
carry out a major research project. You will learn the design, construction, and operation of an
elevated CO2 growth chamber array, including instrumentation to measure CO2 levels and the
photosynthetic activity of plants. Other duties may include plant identification, collection in the
field, and caring for seedlings. This is a volunteer position intended for persons looking to gain
field and research experience. There may be funding available for travel or housing depending on
time commitment.

Qualifications:
Ability to work long days in the field under tropical conditions (intense heat, rain, sun,
biting/stinging insects), capacity to lift up to 30lbs, and a basic understanding of biology and/or
ecology. Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required. Project will run from
November 2010 through April 2011, and the time commitment is negotiable with a minimum
commitment of two months.

Please send cover letter (including earliest start date and time commitment) and resume to Dave
Marvin (marvs@umich.edu) or visit http://www-personal.umich.edu/~marvs/ for more
information.