Technology in Ecology Internships at SERC (Edgewater, MD)

At the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, MD, the Technology in Ecology Lab designs and
maintains many technologically-innovative ecological experiments. We work collaboratively with several
partners on ecological research, experimental design, and data infrastructure. For example, we developed and
support several ongoing climate change experiments such as SMARTX, GENX, and MERIT, experiments at SERC’s
Global Change Research Wetland site. We also maintain sensor and data infrastructure for the MarineGEO
program’
Additionally, we have been developing open source (or “DIY”) solutions for ecological research. Ongoing work
includes Arduino and Xbee-based automated dataloggers and feedback controllers for ecosystem manipulation
experiments as well as developing methods for DIY measurements of CO2 and methane production in coastal
wetland systems. We operate at the interface of ecology, engineering, and data programming. As part of our new Pathfinder project, we are seeking to fill three internships focused on advancing CO2 and CH4 gas flux chamber prototypes for use in remote
settings. This work is important because it will expand the spatial and temporal range for which
these types of instruments can be deployed, leading to better assessments of carbon flux into and out of the atmosphere.
With these internship positions, we are hoping to add engineering, design, and programming skills
to our collaborative research group.
We are seeking curious people who can easily adopt new skills based on project objectives.
Organizational skills are also desired, as these people will be responsible for drafting
documentation and protocols.
We are looking for up to three interns with some of the following skills:

SERC DEI Statement:
The SERC community recognizes the value of diversity in promoting innovative science and creative
solutions, and we strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We recognize that each applicant for this role
will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences and background to this position. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity
employer, committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression,
sexual orientation, age, religion, marital/parental/caregiver status and disability.
– Familiarity with Autodesk Fusion 360, Eagle or similar computer design/production tools
– Familiarity with prototype fabrication and documentation
– Mechanical engineering
– Robotics or electrical engineering
– Programming in Arduino, or Python, or Xbee networks
– Environmental sensors or design
– Fabrication skills
We do not expect any candidate to be ideal, but the following is a list of skills that we also seek
and willing to teach if not known: using GitHub to facilitate collaboration; familiarity
with topics such as ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and wetland science; R-Shiny design; electronics
prototype production and fabrication; use of Eagle or Autodesk: use of Campbell Scientific dataloggers;
programing in CRBasic; or QAQC methods for water quality or other sensor data would all be beneficial.

The intern will work individually as well as on a team to develop, produce, and test the Pathfinder flux chamber prototype.

This may include: programming on Arduino platform,
development and production of various electronics, sensors, and DIY platforms, providing technical
support for Pathfinder project, writing protocols for all new procedures, and contributing to the
overall scientific quality of the operation. Modest fieldwork will be required at the end stages of our
production.

As a single PDF, please send a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications, a
resume, and the names of two references to Dr. Roy Rich, richr@si.edu.

SERC is focused on understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change for marine,
freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. The main campus is a 2,650-acre research site on the shores
of the Chesapeake Bay in Edgewater Maryland. Nearby cities include historic Annapolis, Maryland’s
capital, and D.C.