Research Experience for Undergraduates: American Pika Study, June 6-August 12, 2011
Position: Undergraduate researcher Dates: June 6 - August 12, 2011 Compensation: $4,400.00 stipend plus complimentary food and lodging Location: Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research Site and University of Colorado Mountain Research Station Application materials: Resume, detailed cover letter and two letters of recommendation Apply to: [email protected] (electronic submissions only) Application deadline: April 29, 2011 Description: Study effects of climate on the behavior, physiology and survival of the American pika, high in the Rockies at the Niwot Ridge Long- Term Ecological Research Site (http://culter.colorado.edu/NWT/). This position involves extensive field work, some self-directed, as well as participation in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation through the University of Colorado-Boulder (http://www.colorado.edu/eeb/EEBprojects/reu/ProgDesc.html). REU students live and work at the University of Colorado’s Mountain Research Station (MRS) located 40 minutes west of Boulder, CO (http://www.colorado.edu/mrs/). Food and lodging at the MRS are provided free of charge, in addition to a stipend of $4400 for the 10-week program. Note: Although other REU positions associated with the MRS have been filled, applications for this late-breaking position (funded under a separate program) will be accepted until April 29. Minimum qualifications: Applicants must be available June 6 - August 12. REU guidelines stipulate that each applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the US, currently enrolled in (or accepted to) an undergraduate degree program. Applicants should be comfortable backpacking and working at high elevations (9000-13000 feet), and working with live animals (we sample blood, tissue, urine and feces from every pika captured). We are looking for a highly motivated student with strong interpersonal skills who is well organized, attentive to detail, and more than willing to work in sometimes harsh field conditions. This position is designed as an introduction to modern research in ecology, so extensive experience is not required. Desirable qualifications: Experience backpacking at high elevations. Coursework in ecology, physiology, animal behavior, physical geography and/or global change issues. Experience with GPS units and GIS software. Computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft Excel. First Aid certification. Familiarity with leave-no-trace methods. Those interested in developing an honors project related to this study are especially welcome to apply. Application instructions: Apply by email to [email protected]. Include two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a cover letter detailing relevant experience, coursework, and GPA.
