A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available for summer 2012 to study disease ecology in aquatic freshwater communities with Drs. Jeremy Wojdak (Radford University) and Lisa Belden (Virginia Tech).
The REU student will join a lab of graduate and undergraduate students working on an NSF-funded project focused on understanding the biotic factors that control trematode parasite transmission. The trematode we study first infects an aquatic snail host, then snails and amphibians as secondary intermediate hosts, and finally infects muskrats (among other organisms) as its definitive host. Thus, the REU student will gain experience with a number of diverse taxa. The student will work as part of our team at field sites and conducting mesocosm field experiments and lab studies, and will also be expected to develop his/her own independent research project. The ideal candidate will be hard-working, dedicated, careful, work well in a team setting, and be interested in pursuing a career in science. The start date is flexible, but preference will be given to a student available mid-May through August 2010. The REU student will earn a stipend of $400/week for 12 weeks and receive additional support for lodging ($1000), travel expenses ($500), and their research. The REU student will be invited to attend the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting with our group in a subsequent year. Interested students are encouraged to apply by March 1, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be currently enrolled in a college or university (i.e. recent graduates are ineligible). Students from groups typically underrepresented in the sciences and students from smaller institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. Applications should be sent to [email protected] and should include: unofficial copy of transcripts, contact information for three academic references, CV / resume, and a one page statement that describes your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and previous research experience (if any). Please confirm in your statement that you meet each eligibility requirement above (e.g., citizenship, enrolled in college, available for 10-12 weeks during the summer). For more information, or if you have questions, please contact: Jeremy M. Wojdak Assistant Professor Department of Biology 236 Curie Hall PO BOX 6931 Radford University Radford, VA 24142 [email protected]
