Jennifer Murphy is a hydrologist with the US Geological Survey at the Central Midwest Water Science Center. She 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). They have an opportunity to bring on a student (or a few) to help with their effort. She's hoping there may be students (undergrad through grad) in and around the Chicago area and/or Champaign-Urbana that may be interested in this opportunity.
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. 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.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to her with questions at jmurphy@usgs.gov.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Central Midwest Water Science Center
Illinois-Iowa-Missouri
Job Title: | Water Resources Data Analyst |
Pay Rate: | $16.26-$24.99, depending on year in school and experience. |
Pay Type: | Per Hour - Set Rate |
Work Schedule: | Flexible |
Hours Per Week: | up to 40 hrs/wk during breaks and summer, 16-20 during semester, |
Job Duration: | Begin Date: As soon as hiring procedures can be completed; No End Date. |
Federal Work Study: | No |
Location: | Dekalb, IL or Urbana, IL. Some work can be conducted remotely, but students must be able to visit our DeKalb, IL office or Urbana, IL office when necessary. |
Contact Person: | Samantha Murphy |
Preference of contact: | Contact By Email. Send resume and unofficial transcript. |
Contact's E-mail | sjmurphy@usgs.gov |
Job Description: | Students will support a team of scientists working on water resource investigations on local, regional, and national scales. 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; and perform targeted analyses. Additional duties may include assisting USGS staff in field-related data collection activities and performing occasional lab-related activities This is a great opportunity to work with a team of scientists from across the country on highly relevant and important topics. |
Requirements: | Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and current student to apply. The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. |
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. |
