*Laboratory Technical Assistant (50%) at University of Zurich* The recently formed Population Ecology Research Group at University of Zurich is looking for a Technical Laboratory Assistant (at 50% employment for one year) to work in a rotifer demography laboratory. Our team investigates wildlife population dynamics using a bio-demographic perspective, and applies modelling and statistical techniques to field and laboratory data to test hypotheses on the dynamics and persistence of wildlife populations. In this project, we will use an experimental rotifer system to test hypotheses on the links between ecological and evolutionary processes in changing environments.
*Main tasks *You will provide technical support for our research and assist in the building and running of a laboratory system of Bdelloid rotifers. Techniques will include conducting population censuses, recording individual-based life-histories and phenotypic trait measurements using stereoscopic microscopes, and the set-up and maintenance of selection lines. You will be responsible for maintaining the lab stock cultures, perform experiments, manage and oversee day-to-day laboratory functions, assist in the supervision of students and research collaborators, managing data collections, participate in analysing data, and keep detailed records of procedures and results. *Your profile *We are looking for a reliable, independent and team-oriented person with sound laboratory and organisational skills, rigour in monitoring and measurement of individual organisms, enthusiasm for ecological and evolutionary research, an ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills (in English and ideally in German too). Experience with managing laboratory populations is highly desired, and familiarity with analysis of data in R is a plus. *Our offer *We offer a job in a dynamic research environment, where you will be member of a new Population Ecology Research Group in the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Sciences of the University of Zurich and will be based at Irchel Campus. The position is a 50% post with schedule flexible and depending on the specific experimental requirement. Salary will be based on your experience according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation. This is a unique career opportunity especially if you are planning to continue to a PhD degree in a related field, as you will participate in research design, conduct and analysis, and therefore, partake in resulting publications. Please send your application material including (1) a single page cover letter, (2) your CV, and (3) contact info for two references, all in electronic format, to Prof. Dr. Arpat Ozgul ([email protected]) by October 15th, 2012. http://www.telejob.ch/advertisement/technical_laboratory_assistant_50_1/21720
