FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (3-4) YALE UNIVERSITY NEW HAVEN, CT MAY 15 SEPTEMBER (flexible)
3-4 field assistants are needed for a study of the role of birds in the spread of West Nile virus and Lyme disease in Connecticut. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to get experience and make connections with researchers in disease ecology, an interdisciplinary and growing field. Assistants responsibilities will include mist-netting birds to collect blood samples, point counts and territory mapping, nest-finding, and radio telemetry of American robins. If desired, there will be opportunities to assist in other aspects of this summers work, including small and medium sized mammal-trapping, collecting blood-fed mosquitoes with aspirators, and tick collecting. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have some previous experience mist-netting passerines. Experience taking blood samples and identifying northeastern birds by sight and (especially) by sound will be preferred. Radio telemetry experience, especially with passerines, and nest-finding experience will also be beneficial. It is essential that applicants be able to work as part of a small team and to tolerate biting insects and ticks in a Lyme disease endemic area. LOGISTICS: Salary is $1700-2000/month depending on experience. Housing is not provided, and is about $300/month in New Haven. Mileage reimbursement for travel between study sites and two field vehicles are available. TO APPLY: send cover letter, resume, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 2 references to christopher.field AT yale.edu. Hiring will begin immediately and positions will remain open until filled.
