Internship Description: We are looking for 4 interns interested in taking
part in a field ecology project on Columbian ground squirrels. Positions
will begin on May 15, 2017 and will finish on Aug 31, 2017. The project
investigates the ecology of Columbian ground squirrels. As a member
of the study, interns will be involved with monitoring the phenology
(when animals emerge from hibernation), reproduction and survival
of individuals. Fieldwork will involve live-trapping and handling of
animals, radio-telemetry, behavioural observation and assistance with
the measurement of physiological (metabolism) traits on free-ranging
animals. This is an excellent opportunity to gain training and experience
working with a collaborative research team on a long-term study of a
wild mammal. Opportunities for independent research projects are also
available.
All fieldwork is carried out in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of
southwestern Alberta, Canada, home to some of the most majestic wildlife
in North America. Interns will have the opportunity to interact with,
and learn from, other researchers working with ground squirrels on a
diversity of projects in behavioural and population ecology. Additionally,
a number of other researchers in the area are studying a range of species,
from insects to large mammals.
International applicants: We welcome applications from all individuals. If
applicants are not Canadians or permanent residents, there is the
opportunity to enter Canada and complete the internship as a Visiting
Research Student. To be eligible for this program, you must be an
undergraduate student, a graduate student, or be in between degrees
(e.g., following graduation from a bachelors degree and looking to
pursue graduate school). As part of this program, applicants will be
registered at the U of S in a non-credit activity and it is expected
that you will gain a demonstrable educational benefit from being
involved. We are particularly interested in applicants who wish to use
this opportunity to pursue an independent research project. Applicants
are eligible for this program for a maximum of 6 months per 12
month period. Application forms and information are available at
http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/alternate-applicants/visiting-research-student.php
If you are interested in this program, please contact us (contact details
below) and we will guide you through the process.
Skills Required: These positions are best suited to applicants with
interests in ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology,
and/or physiological ecology. As evidence of this, applicants must either
be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a relevant discipline. Successful
applicants will need to be able to cope under these field conditions
(including periods of time spent camping), enjoy the outdoors, be up-beat,
positive, responsible and work well as a member of a team. Evidence of
these abilities (gained, for example, through previous involvement on
field projects or extended back-packing trips) is expected.
Terms of Employment: Salary is not provided as part of these
positions. Accommodation and food are provided. Volunteers are required to
provide for their own travel to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Travel between
the field station and Saskatoon is provided.
If you wish to apply for one of these posts then please send a CV with
a cover letter and contact details for three references (with e-mail
addresses), by email to Jeff Lane (contact info below) ASAP. Applications
will be evaluated as they are received. To ensure full consideration,
please apply right away.
Contact:
Dr. Jeff Lane
Department of Biology
University of Saskatchewan
“Lane, Jeffrey” <jeffrey.lane@usask.ca>