Research Intern – Kutztown, PA
Organization: The Rodale Institute
Position Title: Research Intern
Location: Kutztown, PA
Hours & Compensation: Flexible. Preference given to candidates who can work for longer periods of time. Unpaid.
Program Dates: Flexible, between April and October.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2013
Organization Overview:
For more than sixty years, we’ve been researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing our findings with farmers and scientists throughout the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educating consumers about how going organic is the healthiest option for people and the planet.
Our research
Our Farming Systems Trial® is the longest-running side-by-side U.S. study comparing conventional chemical agriculture with organic methods. What have we found? Organic yields match conventional and outperform them in years of drought and environmental distress. New areas of study include rates of carbon sequestration in chemical versus organic plots and new techniques for weed suppression.
Our outreach
From field days, to workshops, to exclusive online tools for farmers and original articles, Rodale Institute has been sharing our findings with farmers, scientists, policy-makers, gardeners and consumers the world over.
Description and Responsibilities:
Rodale Institute’s Research Department investigates a number of scientific and regenerative farming issues, including cover crop practices, organic weed management, organic no-till systems, compost use, influences of agricultural practices on water quality, and effects of mycorrhizae and other soil biota on crop and soil health, and yields. The Department also oversees the Farming Systems Trial (FST), the oldest continuous trial in the U.S. that compares organic and conventional farming systems.
To support this research, our interns work with staff researchers to lay out experimental field plots, assist with greenhouse plantings, conduct lab experiments, tend and maintain experiments, collect and process samples from the field, and enter data for statistical analysis and interpretation.
This work involves physical activities in the field, lab work, and computer use, operating both in teams and individually. Many long days in the field collecting soil samples, assessing weed populations, and picking crops to determine yield should be expected.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate or graduate degree or good academic standing from an accredited university.
- A strong work ethic, initiative, and motivation. Attention to detail is a must.
- The ability to work well individually and in a team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Interest in alternative agriculture issues and practice.
How to Apply: To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume, names and contact information for three references, and dates of availability (beginning and ending date) to Linda Carlson at [email protected].
Contact Information:
The Rodale Institute, http://www.rodaleinstitute.org
611 Siegfiredale Road, Kutztown, PA 19530-9320
