Student Helper - - Ecosystems Center OFP (Temporary/Seasonal)

This is position for a motivated high school student with a strong aptitude and interest in science. We are looking for a student (preferably sophomore or junior, must be at least 16) to join our lab group at the Marine Biological Laboratory's Ecosystems Center. The position is near full time during the summer and after school 2-3 days/week (~ 5-10 hours/week) during the academic year. As a high school research assistant, you will assist with research activities for the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) time series in the deep Sargasso Sea. You will help with general lab activities. As your experience grows, you will assist with chemical analyses of oceanic particulate material. As an OFP team member, you will also learn & assist with data entry, aiding in many aspects of our research. You will be trained in the scientific method, statistics and learn to use several different types of laboratory instruments. Established in 1978, the Oceanic Flux Program time-series of deep sea particle flux is the longest running time series of its kind. The program utilizes sediment traps moored in the deep Sargasso Sea southeast of Bermuda to continuously collect particles settling through the water column. Each sample captures a two-week snapshot. We measure the amount of sinking material and its chemical & biological composition to evaluate the influences of upper ocean physical forcing (e.g. passage of storm systems and ocean eddies) and ecosystem structure on the production of sinking particles and on particle recycling and decomposition within the deep water column. A particular research focus of the OFP is to improve our quantitative understanding of how oceanographic processes control the magnitude and composition of the deep ocean flux over seasonal to decadal time scales. The OFP encompasses chemical, biological and physical oceanography, using data from all of the scientific disciplines and exploring the exciting dynamics between them. For more information about our research projects, visit our website: go.mbl.edu/ofp The ideal candidate will have a strong aptitude and interest in science. Due to the chemicals that we use in our laboratory, the applicant would need to be at least 16 years of age. Experience and interests with computers and chemistry is a plus.