California Research Positions: Amphibian Disease Ecology Dr. Pieter Johnson, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado, Boulder
We are currently seeking highly motivated undergraduates or recent graduates to apply for positions studying amphibian disease ecology in California. These positions will focus on the interactive effects of land use change and biodiversity losses on infectious diseases in amphibians, including pathogens that cause limb deformities and population declines. Positions are full-time and begin in mid-May and end in late-August. Selected applicants will also have an opportunity to conduct independent research projects. California Field Team (East Bay): 2 Positions Field assistants will conduct intensive sampling of amphibian populations at more than 150 wetlands across the Bay Area of California, including Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties. Selected individuals will gain valuable experience in sampling amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, fishes, pathogens, water chemistry and wetland habitat assessment. Ongoing projects include: (a) identifying the determinants of aquatic biodiversity and (b) evaluating the effects of land use change on amphibian diseases (e.g., malformations, chytridiomycosis, and ranavirus). California Experimental Team (Hopland): 1 Position A research assistant will participate in the design and implementation of outdoor mesocosm and field experiments designed to evaluate the consequences of disease and invasive species in wetland ecosystems. Experiments will be established at the Hopland Research and Extension Center in Mendocino County. The selected candidate will develop skills in experimental design, field sampling of amphibians, parasite biology, water chemistry, and statistical analysis. Housing will be provided at the Hopland Field Station. Education/Experience: Successful applicants should have a background in ecology, biology, or a similar discipline, experience conducting field research, preferably with amphibians, and outdoor experience. Applicants must be well organized, highly responsible, conscientious, physically fit, and able to work closely with others under adverse conditions. Applicants with the ability to recognize and identify amphibians are preferred. Undergraduates from groups typically underrepresented in the sciences are especially encouraged to apply. To Apply: Send a cover letter stating which position(s) you are applying for, a current resume, an unofficial transcript, and contact information for two references to Miranda Redmond ([email protected]), preferably as a single pdf. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Start/End dates may be flexible. Please contact Miranda Redmond with questions. Candidates are expected to work 40 hours/week. For more information, see www.colorado.edu/eeb/facultysites/pieter.
