Paid position available for spring/summer 2012 (late March-August 31), assisting in a study that investigates the effects of climate change on the Karner blue butterfly. As part of a larger study of this federally endangered species, the Hellmann lab maintains a colony of Karner blue butterflies on the campus of the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana), and we use this colony to examine response to climatic variation. We also examine the effects of micro-climatic variation on wild populations on the Karner blue in the field, at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a unit of the National Park Service in Porter, Indiana. This project is a joint venture between the University of Notre Dame, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Park Service. Daily tasks involve tending to the colony, including feeding larvae and adults, assessing morphometric characteristics, establishing and tracking mating lineages, hostplant propagation and data management. The successful applicant will be based at Notre Dame with occasional visits to the field. Preferred candidates will have field and laboratory experience beyond the classroom. PIs include Dr. Jessica Hellmann (UND) and Dr. Ralph Grundel (USGS). To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and names of three references to Jason Dzurisin (Hellmann Lab Manager) [email protected]. Inquiries to J. Dzurisin as well. Applications will be evaluated beginning immediately and will no longer be accepted after Feb. 29th, 2012.
