Applications for scientific staff for the Equatorial Pacific drilling program are currently being accepted. Equatorial Pacific is a two-expedition program to achieve the science objectives in Proposal #626 (available at http://iodp.tamu.edu/scienceops/expeditions/equatorial_pacific.html).

Two USIO expeditions are tentatively scheduled for Nov.-Dec. 2007 and Sept.-Oct. 2008. A summary describing the Equatorial Pacific program is available at http://iodp.tamu.edu/scienceops/expeditions/equatorial_pacific.html, including the anticipated site occupation for each expedition. The expedition schedules and operational sequences could change depending on the completion date of the USIO vessel conversion.

Prospective scientists should apply to the appropriate Program Member Office (http://www.iodp.org/program-member-offices) by December 18, 2006. Scientists are asked to identify their first and second priority options for participation in the Equatorial Pacific expeditions. Applications from nominated scientists will be forwarded from the Program Member Offices to the USIO, which is responsible for staffing these expeditions. The USIO will work closely with the co-chief scientists and member country offices to maximize the scientific return, while achieving member country/consortia staffing balance.