JOB OPENINGS: Field assistants in plant disease ecology (4-5 positions) EMPLOYER: The University of North Carolina (with the University of Minnesota)
LOCATION: Hopland, CA DESCRIPTION: We seek assistants to work full time on two NSF-funded projects that use a group of aphid-transmitted viruses and the wild grass species they infect to investigate the dynamics of generalist, vector-borne pathogens. Assistants will work closely with grad students, postdocs, and technicians. The majority of work will be done in the field, with some work in the lab and greenhouse. Work will include collecting plant samples for biological and chemical lab assays, surveying aphid populations and enemy damage on plants, estimating plant species abundances via percent cover, weeding experimental plots, and propagating plants in the greenhouse. Research is conducted at the University of California’s Hopland Research and Extension Center in northern California: http://ucanr.org/sites/hopland/. Employment will extend from early February through mid-June 2012. Flexible work hours required. Start and end dates are moderately flexible, and will be discussed during the interview process. Dorm housing is provided on site, but assistants are responsible for their own transportation. This is a great opportunity to participate in and learn about basic ecological and epidemiological research. Interested assistants can receive scientific and career mentoring, and past field assistants have gone on to permanent positions and graduate school. Also, these same seasonal positions will be rehired in future years, with preference to past employees. Website: http://www.bio.unc.edu/Faculty/Mitchell/lab/ResearchFrontpage.htm QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Outdoor research experience, especially field work with plants, insects, or microbes. Willingness and ability to work outdoors under a wide range of weather conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 45-90˚F, and rain is common. Applicants must be able to perform mildly strenuous field work for extended periods (up to 9 hours). The capacity to work well with others in a team is essential. Preferred: BA or BS degree, with coursework in ecology/botany. Valid driver’s license. TO APPLY: Send a brief cover letter, a CV or resume, and contact information for at least two references by email to the address below. Review of applications will begin mid-October, and continue until filled. SALARY: $10.61/hr, housing is provided on site LAST DATE TO APPLY: 15 November 2011 (rolling) CONTACT: Miranda Welsh, PhD candidate under Dr. Charles Mitchell Email: [email protected] (preferred) Phone: 919-357-7833 _____________________________________________ James Patrick Cronin, Ph.D. | Postdoctoral Research Associate University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill jpatrickcronin [] gmail [] com _____________________________________________
