JOB OPENING: Field technician in plant disease ecology (1 position) EMPLOYER: The University of North Carolina (with the University of Minnesota) LOCATION: Hopland, CA DESCRIPTION: We seek a field technician to manage and participate in work 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. The technician will: supervise 4-5 field assistants, be supervised on-site and remotely by Principal Investigator Mitchell and PhD student Miranda Welsh, and coordinate on-site with other project participants. Most work will be in the field, with some work in the lab and greenhouse. Work will include taking a leading role in collecting plant samples for virus assays, surveying aphid populations and enemy damage on plants, estimating plant species abundances via percent cover, quantifying plant physiological traits, 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. Start and end dates are moderately flexible, and will be discussed during the interview process. Dorm housing is provided on site, but employees are responsible for their own transportation. This is a great opportunity to supervise and participate in basic ecological and epidemiological research, and to work with a group that is happy to provide scientific and career mentoring. Past technicians have gone on to permanent positions and graduate school. Also, this same seasonal position will be rehired in future years, with preference to past employees. Website: http://www.bio.unc.edu/Faculty/Mitchell/lab/ResearchFrontpage.htm 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 and ability to work outdoors under a wide range of weather conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 45-90˚F, and rain is common. Ability to perform mildly strenuous field work for extended periods (up to 9 hours). Valid driver’s license and vehicle. Ability to work independently, supervise others, and work well in a team is essential. Preferred: Supervisory or leadership experience, demonstrated ability to work independently, experience in the system.
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: $11.67 to $14/hr (commensurate with experience), 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 _____________________________________________
