Job Opening: Field technician in plant disease ecology (1 position) Employer: The University of North Carolina (with the University of Minnesota)
Location: Hopland, CA, USA. Job description: We seek a field technician to work on two NSF-funded projects to answer two of the most pressing questions facing scientists today: ‘What determines an individual’s risk of being infected by a pathogen, and why do many hosts become infected by multiple pathogen species?’ To answer these questions, we study aphid-transmitted viruses that infect wild grasses in beautiful Northern California. The technician will: supervise one or more field assistants, be supervised remotely by Principal Investigator Mitchell, and need to coordinate with grad students and postdocs on the project. The majority of work will be done in the field, with some work in the lab and greenhouse. Work will include taking a leading role in planting new experiments, pulling weeds from these experiments, collecting samples for virus assays, surveying aphid populations, quantifying plant physiological traits, and estimating plant species percent cover. Employment may extend from January through May 2011, ! to be discussed in the interview. Flexible work hours required. Housing is provided at the University of California’s Hopland Research and Extension Center. This is a great opportunity to learn about ecological theory and methodologies while contributing to cutting-edge research. The technician will receive scientific and career mentoring. Past technicians have gone on to permanent scientific positions and graduate school. Also, this same seasonal position will be rehired in future years, with preference to past employees. Qualifications: Required: BA or BS degree, with upper-level coursework in ecology. Research experience in ecology, preferably field work with plants, insects, or microbes. Willingness to work outdoors under a wide range of weather conditions, including chilly and wet. Ability to perform mildly strenuous field work for extended periods. Valid driver’s license. Ability to work independently and to supervise others. The capacity to work well in a team is essential. Preferred: supervisory or leadership experience, and demonstrated ability to work independently. To apply, send a brief cover letter, possible start and end dates, a CV or resume, and contact information for two references by email to the address below. Review of applications will begin 15 November 2010, and continue until filled. Salary: $11.67 to $14/hr (commensurate with experience), housing is provided on site Contact: Dr. Charles Mitchell Email: [email protected] http://www.bio.unc.edu/Faculty/Mitchell/lab/ResearchFrontpage.htm
