Research Assistantships in Estuarine Science and Coastal Zone Management
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (2015-2016)
Application Deadline: April 24th, 2015
The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed by the Washington State Department of Ecology in cooperation with
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the coastal United
States, its objectives include protection and restoration of the natural resources and the provision of opportunities for research,
monitoring, and long-term scientific and educational programs. Located in western Skagit County, Washington, Padilla Bay contains
one of the largest contiguous eelgrass meadows in the Pacific Northwest. The PBNERR has research support facilities, laboratory
space, field equipment, overnight bunkrooms, and vessels to provide limited assistance for field studies. Prior arrangements should be
made with Reserve staff if assistance will be needed as part of the proposed research.
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (PB-NERR) and the Padilla Bay Foundation are pleased to announce the availability of two Research Assistantships in Estuarine Science and Coastal Zone Management. These opportunities are open to graduate students who are interested in conducting research into the science and/or management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Over forty research assistantships have been awarded at Padilla Bay over the past twenty years, and we are able to continue this tradition of supporting student research thanks to the generous contribution from the Borman Family Foundation and the Tesoro Northwest Company.
Overview: Applicants should be broadly interested in estuarine ecology and/or coastal zone management and have a plan for thesis research that involves Padilla Bay. Examples include: 1) experimental or field-based ecological and/or organismal studies within the Padilla Bay ecosystem, 2) comparative studies between Padilla Bay and other estuarine ecosystems within Washington State or other NERR Reserves, 3) use of Padilla Bay to address natural resource or coastal zone management issues relevant for Washington State, or 4) large spatial and/or temporal-scale studies that use data available through the NERR web portal (http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/).
Proposals for research on any aspect of estuarine science or coastal zone management and policy will be considered. However, the Padilla Bay NERR is particularly interested in proposals that address:
 Ecology of the non-native eelgrass Zostera japonica and its role in marine ecosystems
 Use of long-term monitoring data from Padilla Bay to address questions regarding climate change, estuarine ecology, or placing Padilla Bay within the context of regional or national coastal waters.
Qualifications: The applicant should be accepted into an accredited graduate studies program in marine science, ecology, biology, botany, zoology, or a related natural or physical science. Awardees will require the sponsorship of a faculty mentor who will supervise the thesis research in coordination with research staff at Padilla Bay. If awarded, the assistantship will be in the form of a contract with the student totaling $5,000 to be provided over a twelve to eighteen month period. A final report (or thesis) is required at the conclusion of the contract.
Application Procedure: Review of applications will begin April 24, 2015 and applications submitted by this deadline will be given precedence. The application package should include: 1) cover letter, 2) research proposal including: title, abstract (<400 words), background and rationale for the proposed work (including a review of relevant scientific literature), clearly stated research objectives and hypotheses (is applicable), proposed methods to conduct the work, and anticipated importance of the results to science and/or management; 3) a timetable with milestones for the project, 4) description of support, resources and/or facilities needed and available to complete the project, 5) literature cited section; 6) curriculum vitae including academic background and research/work experience; and 7) a letter of sponsorship from the faculty advisor including agreement to oversee the applicant’s research project and provide access to necessary equipment and/or facilities.
We strongly encourage discussing your research ideas with Padilla Bay staff prior to submitting an application. Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Jude Apple (Research Coordinator) at japple@padillabay.gov. Application materials should be emailed in PDF format to Dr. Apple, or submitted via postal mail to Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 10441 Bay View-Edison Road, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273.