Check this site for new internship and research opportunities.
We will post job announcements regularly.
FIELD HERPETOLOGIST NEEDED - CALIFORNIA
The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
(MSHCP) Biological Monitoring Program is seeking field biologists to assist
with
surveys of herpetofauna in Western Riverside County, California. We are
seeking
one individual to conduct surveys for sensitive species including but
not limited
to Arroyo Toads (Anaxyrus californicus), Coast Range Newts (Taricha torosa
torosa) and Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata), in a variety of
habitats throughout the county. The hired biologist will participate in
surveys under the direction of the Herpetology Program Lead. Depending
on workload and prior experience, the hired crew members may have an opportunity
to participate in surveys for invertebrates, mammals and plants as well.
Salary: $13.00 to $16.00 per hour, depending on experience, paid bi-weekly.
Positions permanent and full time, and include health and retirement benefits.
Examples of Duties participate in targeted searches for aquatic amphibian,
turtle, and
reptile species collect habitat information along stream and pond habitats
collect accurate field data in the prescribed manner perform surveys in
a variety of settings that range from semi-urban areas to remote wilderness
areas requiring long hikes and overnight camping be prepared to work in
tough, uneven terrain in inclement weather including cold, hot and wet
environmental conditions prepare maps for planning and conducting field
surveys attend meetings and training as appropriate complete assigned
tasks with a minimum of direct supervision in a timely fashion take initiative
to anticipate crew needs
operate 4WD vehicles
Requirements / Qualifications
Biologists should be capable of hiking up to 5 miles in hilly terrain
while carrying a
25–30 pound backpack. Additionally, the new hire should have good
communication skills and be willing to work closely with others. The ideal
candidate will have completed a bachelor’s degree and have one or
more years field experience working with aquatic herps. Work towards a
bachelor’s degree (with biology related course work) and one or
more years of field biology experience is also acceptable. Candidates
selected must have demonstrable field skills and knowledge of herp survey
techniques. A valid U.S. Driver’s License and U.S. citizenship,
or the ability to work legally in the U.S. (Declaration of Permission
to Work form), are required.
Applying for Position
This position is available now and preference will be given to applicants
who can
start immediately. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until
the
position is filled. Applicants must be willing to live within commuting
distance of
downtown Riverside, California. This position is full-time and intended
to last at
least 12 months. Qualified and interested candidates should send their
resume
and a cover letter via post mail or email to:
Natalie Marioni
Herpetology Project Lead
Western Riverside County MSHCP
Biological Monitoring Program
4500 Glenwood Drive, bldg C
Riverside, California 92501
(951) 320-2168 (office)
(951) 782-4847 (fax)
hiring@biomonitoringrca.org
HERP TECHNICIAN MOLECULAR LAB, LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE,
BATON ROUGE
Job Description
The Austin Laboratory at the LSU Museum of Natural Science is seeking
a candidate for a position as a LABORATORY TECHNICIAN. Experience in molecular
genetic methods including DNA isolation, PCR, automated sequencing are
required. Prior work in genomics and/or phylogenetics and HERPETOLOGY
are highly desired.
The position entails laboratory management and research on the population
genetics and systematics of reptiles and amphibians from New Guinea. The
ideal applicant will have had extensive experience in a genetics laboratory
(i.e., maintenance of laboratory equipment, facilities and frozen tissue
collections, and purchasing of supplies and equipment) and conducting
and training students and technicians in various molecular genetic methods
(including, for example, PCR, DNA sequencing using capillary sequencers,
construction of genomic libraries, development of microsatellite and SNP
markers).
Position available Summer/Fall 2007.
Applications will be reviewed starting 15 April 2007.
Email cover letter, CV, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and email
addresses of three references to:
Dr. Christopher Austin
Assistant Curator/Professor
Museum of Natural Science
119 Foster Hall
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-3216
ccaustin@lsu.edu
http://www.museum.lsu.edu/Austin/lab.html
http://www.lsu.edu/museum
One NSF-REU (research experience for undergraduates) position is
available to work as part of a long-term field experiment designed to
test the importance of food abundance to life history evolution in
red squirrels. The successful candidate will spend the summer (May
to August) working as part of our core data collection crew near
Kluane National Park in the Yukon of Canada and will collect
additional data as part of an independent research project. Details
on the squirrels, the area and the large collaborative project can be
found at www.redsquirrel.msu.edu. Transportation to and from the
site, food and a monthly stipend will be provided.
Possible undergraduate research projects include:
1. Spruce cone preferences of left- and right-handed squirrels.
2. Behavior and nest attendance of females specializing in the
production of many smaller or few high quality offspring.
If you are interested in spending the summer pursuing an
undergraduate research project please contact me by email
(mcadama@msu.edu) as soon as possible. Include as attachments to your
email a cover letter indicating 1) your interest in the project, 2)
what specific questions you might be interested in answering (feel
free to suggest one that is not listed above), and 3) a statement of
why you are suited for the position. Also attach a resume with
references. If you are not from Michigan State University then
please provide the name of someone at your home university who could
potentially provide additional mentorship on your project during the
next academic year.
Dr. Andrew McAdam
Department of Fisheries & Wildlife
13 Natural Resources Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
48824
517-432-0396
mcadama@msu.edu
AMPHIBIAN FIELD TECHNICIANS WANTED
The University of Missouri, Division of Biological Sciences is seeking
two (2) field amphibian technicians. One to assist with a large-scale,
forest management experiment examining the "Land-use Effects on Amphibian
Populations" (LEAP). A second to assist in an experimental wetland
mitigation project. Both projects are using primarily drift fences with
pitfall traps to sample amphibians, but other techniques may be used in
conjunction.
Responsibilities: Field work will involve collection, identification,
and marking of various amphibians and reptiles captured in pitfall traps.
Other major duties include drift fence maintenance and general project
support. Some work may be conducted at night and potential for some vegetation
and invertebrate sampling as well.
Qualifications: Applicant must possess or currently be working towards
a B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, Fisheries, or related field. Field
experience and the ability to identify herpetofauna is preferred. Must
be able to work both independently and in a small group.
Duration: Approximately 6 months (ca. 1 March 2007 – 31 August 2007).
Start asap & end dates negotiable. The position is full time (40 hrs/wk).
Salaries: LEAP position $8/hr and housing provided; Wetland mitigation
position
$10/hr but no housing.
Send resume, transcripts, and names of references electronically (or by
FAX) to:
Dr. Ray Semlitsch
semlitschr@missouri.edu
HERPETOLOGICAL FIELD ASSISTANT
Employer: Center for Biodiversity, Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois
Department of Natural Resources
Job Description: Off-season will be responsible for 1) data entry, 2)
data proofing, 3) data manipulation, and 4) construction of trapping devices
for turtles.
Field-season will be responsible for 1) capturing, marking, and measuring
of turtle species, 2) conducting radio-telemetry on turtles in the Chicago
region, 3) locating, caging, and monitoring turtle nest sites and hatchlings
4) shared responsibilities of equipment and maintenance, and 5) aid in
all aspects of data collection.
Qualifications:
Required: 1) background in a related biological field with an interest
in herpetology, 2) have an avid interest for working outdoors, 3) must
be able to follow instructions and at times work unsupervised 4) be familiar
with Windows or Macintosh systems and software, 5) have a valid drivers
license, 6) be able to swim and sometimes tolerate harsh weather conditions,
7) be able to swim, be willing to work long hours, and tolerate harsh
weather conditions and insects, 8) must be willing to re-locate to the
Chicago area (Housing provided), and 9) must be able to work and get along
in a group.
Preferred: Previous experience with radio telemetry and/or working with
turtle species preferred but not mandatory.
Salary: $7.50 - $9.50/hour
Available: 19 March 2007; ending 31 December 2007 with possibility of
extension
Application: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
To apply, please mail, fax or email cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources Office, PRF 1488
Illinois Natural History Survey
1816 South Oak Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
(217)244-7790
(217)333-4949 fax
hroffice@inhs.uiuc.edu
Field assistants for Costa Rica
We are searching field assistants for a project on the feeding ecology
and metabolic physiology of nectar-feeding bats in Costa Rica for between
mid-April and June 2007. Participants are to help with mist-netting and
radio-tracking bats in the rainforest at night and with identifying the
food plants of the bats.
We are looking for candidates who are willing to work in a team, and help
with field work, even under tough conditions (night work, rain, mosquitos
etc.). The project will take place at the La Selva Biological Station
in the Atlantic lowland forest of Costa Rica (www.ots.ac.cr). English
or German is a prerequisite, knowledge of Spanish is advantageous. Participants
must pay their own travel to the field site. However, food, lodgings and
station fees will be paid by the project. Participants must have a recent
rabies vaccination (Note: no rabies has ever been found in bats from the
field site).
Applications should enclose: Cover letter and motivation description,
characterisation of qualifications, CV.
Deadline is March 5th 2007
Please send applications to:
Dr. Detlev Kelm; Leibniz-Institute für Zoo- and Wildlife Research,
Berlin, Germany (kelm@izw-berlin.de ).
FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR ANOLE FOOD WEB STUDY
When: 4 June to 4 August 2007
Where: Central Florida
Description: Two field assistants are needed in a study comparing the
food web interactions of native and exotic lizards of the genus Anolis
in Florida. Fieldwork will involve capturing anoles and arthropod prey
species and monitoring their interactions in field enclosures under the
direction of a graduate student.
Start and end dates are flexible, but assistants must be available for
periods of either one or two months. Housing and a small living stipend
($250/month) will be provided. Assistants will be responsible for travel
to and from Orlando, Florida. Opportunity for a small independent research
project exists.
Qualifications: Experience capturing and handling lizards preferred,
but not required. Must enjoy working outdoors and be motivated, hardworking,
good-natured, and able to work well with others. Applicants must be in
good physical condition and willing to work in hot and humid conditions
in areas with biting insects and venomous snakes.
To apply: Email a letter of interest, resume or CV, and contact information
for three references to:
Nathan Turnbough
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee nturnbou@utk.edu
SUMMER HERPETOLOGICAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY:
Location: South Central and Southeast Michigan
Start Date: March 2007 (flexible) End Date: September 2007 (flexible)
Salary: unpaid internship; mileage reimbursement and field equipment
provided
Herpetological Resource and Management seeks one to two enthusiastic undergraduate/graduate
student(s) to help carry out seasonal field work conducting Amphibian,
Turtle and Reptile Inventorying and Monitoring in Southeast Michigan.
The applicant(s) is expected to perform or assist with the following
activities: field surveys using a variety of techniques to inventory and
conduct research on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles on public lands;
collection of environmental data at study sites; GIS/GPS habitat and species
mapping; data entry into established databases; maintenance of field equipment;
data compilation and creation of tables and figures for reports and publications.
The applicant must have at least 1 years of academic experience leading
to a degree in biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, natural resource conservation,
or a related field, or have graduated with such a degree. Some experience
conducting field work on Midwest herpetofaunal is desirable, but not required.
The applicant must have an ability and willingness to learn to identify
many amphibians, turtles, and reptiles on sight or with the aid of field
guides; an ability and willingness to learn how to identify frogs from
their calls; the ability to accurately record detailed data in the field;
and knowledge of computer operation and familiarity with basic Microsoft
word processing and data manipulation programs. The applicant must be
a licensed driver and have a reliable means of transportation to and from
the office location. Much of the work will be outdoors, often under extremes
in temperature and humidity, and during inclement weather. The most important
qualification for this position is a good sense of humor, solid work ethic,
and a passion for learning.
These positions come with an amazing wealth of educational opportunities
and on-the-ground field experience. The successful applicants will have
the rare opportunity to work with Threatened, Endangered, and imperiled
species in a variety of habitats. They will also learn important techniques
including elastomer tagging, GIS/GPS technology, mark-recapture, and methods
of population inventory and analysis. Most importantly, the intern(s)
will have the opportunity to build a network of federal, state, and local
government officials and private sector consultants.
To Apply: Send a completed Resume via email (including 3 references) to:
David A. Mifsud, M.S., PWS
Herpetologist/Wetland Ecologist
Herpetological Resource and Management
DMifsud@HerpRMan.com
HerpRMan.com
(313) 268-6189
BUTTERFLY RESEARCH INTERN PROGRAM:
Position: Intern, Heliconius Research Facility
Location: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
Salary: $800 per month stipend
Length of contract: One year, with the possibility of extension
Background: We are looking for a research assistant to work in Panama
for the Heliconius Research Facility. This project is a collaboration
between Owen McMillan (North Carolina State University), Chris Jiggins
(University of Cambridge, UK) and Eldredge Bermingham (Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute, Panama). We are studying the genetic basis of colour
pattern diversification in Heliconius butterflies, in particular concentrating
on two species, H. melpomene and H. erato that are mutual co-mimics. For
more information see www.heliconius.org.
Responsibilities: To include maintenance of host plants and butterfly
stocks, dissection of tissue for genetic studies and local collecting
of butterflies. The intern will also be expected to assist visiting researchers
with short term research projects.
Selection criteria: The potential applicant should have a keen interest
in butterfly biology. Experience rearing butterflies would be advantageous.
Although not a requirement, this position would potentially be suitable
for a Masters student whose dissertation project could be carried out
in parallel with the responsibilities of maintaining the stock centre.
We would be happy to assist with such a project where possible.
Contact: Potential applicants should contact Chris Jiggins (cj107@cam.ac.uk)
or Owen McMillan (womcmill@ncsu.edu) as soon as possible. Please note
that applicants may apply in Spanish if preferred.
Chris Jiggins
Department of Zoology
University of Cambridge
Downing Street
Cambridge CB2 3EJ
Tel: (+44)(0)1223 769021
Fax: (+44)(0)1223 336676
Home: 01223 578 371
http://www.heliconius.org/
Summer field research experience for undergrads or recent graduates:
Are you interested in gaining field research experience and learning about
the ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions in fragmented
prairie? We are looking for 3-5 field research assistants for an NSF-funded
research project on habitat fragmentation of the tallgrass prairie. We
are investigating how small plant population sizes influence inbreeding,
demography, pollination, and herbivory in the purple coneflower (Echinacea
angustifolia). This is a great summer internship or co-op for those interested
in field biology or conservation.
No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working.
You will survey natural plant populations, measure plant traits in experimental
plots, hand-pollinate plants, observe & collect insects, and assist
in all aspects of research. Housing is included and there is a stipend.
There are options for doing an independent project and being an REU participant.
If you want more information or wish to apply, please visit this website:
http://echinacea.umn.edu/
or contact Stuart Wagenius. Applications due 9 March 2007.
Stuart Wagenius, Ph.D.
Conservation Scientist
Institute for Plant Biology & Conservation
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
email: swagenius@chicagobotanic.org
web: http://echinacea.umn.edu
Undergraduate Research in the Natural History Museum, Dublin
http://www.ucd.ie/ureka
CoBiD-UREKA is a research summer programme in Dublin, Ireland for international
undergraduate students to work with the National Museum of Ireland (Natural
History) and University College Dublin.
Full funding is available for a limited number of students to attend this
10-week course, beginning 11 June 2007. All applications must be received
by 25 March.
Collections-based Biology in Dublin (CoBiD) provides an exciting research
environment, with experience both in high quality laboratories in the
science departments in University College Dublin, and important international
research centre in the National Museum of Ireland (Natural History) collections
in Dublin city centre. Diverse research projects are offered, with topics
ranging from systematic biology— including traditional and molecular
techniques— to ecology and population genetics. Students will work
side-by-side with curators and senior scientists and will be involved
in all aspects of collections-based research including collection and
curation of specimens, experiments and analysis, participation in field
expeditions, and dissemination of scientific results through oral presentation
and publication.
Term dates: June 11th to August 17th 2007
Requirements
* completion of the third (junior) year of an undergraduate biosciences
degree
* proficiency in English (written and spoken)
* willingness to work hard, and ability to work independently
* strong interest in the project of choice
* career goals in organismal biology
Your application must include a total of three documents received as e-mail
attachments in MS-Word format. Two documents (CV and letter of > interest)
in an email received from the applicant, and a separate letter of recommendation
in an e-mail received directly from your reference.
All materials must be received by: Sunday 25 March
Research Projects: | fossil birds | stonefly ecology | genomic imprinting
| carboniferous coral "reefs" | evolution of mammalian "hearing"
| molecular markers in coastal fish | plant evolution and extinction |
vertebrate paleontology | extreme environments |
For more details, please see
http://www.ucd.ie/ureka/ or e-mail: ureka@ucd.ie
|