How predators alter parasite transmission in complex communities

The Johnson Laboratory (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnsonlaboraotry.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C4426f783f94046e9851608d67c84fb16%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636833307920468353&sdata=QPRWOMlZag%2FrxAlKCb6N%2FeF1JcdJBf5lD3QIot7k%2FlM%3D&reserved=0) is accepting a qualified undergraduate NSF REU applicant for our lab crew at the University of Colorado in Boulder beginning in May 11 (some flexibility) and concluding in early August 2019.

The Johnson laboratory has made it our mission to sincerely commit to promoting diversity! This search is open to all student candidates (that will not graduate prior to June 2019) from any race, color, religion, ethnic, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or veteran status especially those from underrepresented groups in science.

Research Project: Predator inhibition of trematode parasite transmission: The primary objective for this project is to have a student investigate a much-needed research topic surrounding the study of infections and pathology caused by trematodes. The selected student will lead an ambitious yet tractable study into how common aquatic predators affect the spread of parasites and whether these effects vary by parasite species or predator foraging strategy. Over the summer, the selected REU will work closely with Dr. Johnson and our research team at the University of Colorado Boulder. The student will gain valuable experience in designing experiments, quantifying ecological data, and statistical analysis. They will also obtain foundational knowledge of host-parasite interactions, predator-prey dynamics, and the identification of both parasite and free-living species. Following completion of the experiments, the student will work closely with the PI to analyze (1) how the rate of parasite consumption varies by predator, and (2) whether predators select certain parasites preferentially as a function of body size, movement patterns, or activity times based on the natural history of the parasite.

To apply: Email an application package that should include (1) a brief statement of interest detailing how obtaining an REU would advance your career goals; (2) a description of related previous research; (3) a statement of how you will support diversity and inclusion in our laboratory, and finally (4) a current CV. Please compile the application package into a single PDF and email to dana.calhoun@colorado.edu with the subject title (PREDATOR REU application) by February 11th, 2018.

*Please remember ONLY undergraduates that will be continuing their education in fall 2019 can apply*

Parasitology Research Technician

The Johnson Laboratory (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnsonlaboraotry.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C0e5d0885821d46ca5ca308d67c84f08f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636833307761756998&sdata=mnAww%2B%2BwY%2F1PTqAEsaXpgALnfuMavmO4CLDjg9mDPDI%3D&reserved=0) is accepting two qualified parasitology research technicians to assist in the laboratory at the world-recognized University of Colorado located in scenic Boulder Colorado beginning in May and concluding in August 2019.

The Johnson laboratory has made it our mission to sincerely commit to promoting diversity! This search is open to all candidates from any race, color, religion, ethnic, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or veteran status especially those from underrepresented groups in science.

The primary responsibilities of these individuals will be to perform necropsies on a wide range of amphibian, fish, and snail species to identify and quantify macro-parasite infections. This will include (i) isolation of macro-parasites for molecular and morphological vouchers and abundance (ii) and use of microscopic photography techniques to identify and document in situ and isolate macro-parasites. In addition these individuals will be expected to assist with daily management of the laboratory including husbandry of live amphibians and snails and to assist with laboratory and mesocosm experiments. Competitive candidates will have prior independent research experience which needs to include necropsy of vertebrates, proficient excel and data entry skills, and some parasite identification skills. This position salary will depend on experience level of candidates. This position is temporary and does not include housing costs.

To Apply:
To apply for parasitology research technicians send an application package that should include (i) a cover letter that states your specific necropsy experiences, previous scientific research experiences, a statement of how you will support diversity and inclusion in our team, and why you would like to work for the Johnson Laboratory specifically, (ii) a current CV (iii), contact information for three professional references (include email and phone number) and your availability for a start date (must be able to start by May 10th 2019).  Please send the compiled application package into a PDF (one document) and email to dana.calhoun@colorado.edu with the position title “Parasitology Technician” in the subject line by February 11, 2019.

How color polymorphisms in frogs affect vulnerability to fungal infection

The Johnson Laboratory (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnsonlaboraotry.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cdd3b6b90bcca4c37aa1108d67c84e538%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636833307557788148&sdata=5XWC7o5WWT%2FjzMSdyRiFWOgpTqCGZlKBU0RPE6xmMG8%3D&reserved=0) is accepting a qualified undergraduate NSF REU applicant for our field crew in the Bay Area of California beginning in May 11 (some flexibility) and concluding in early August 2019.

The Johnson laboratory has made it our mission to sincerely commit to promoting diversity! This search is open to all student candidates (that will not graduate prior to June 2019) from any race, color, religion, ethnic, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or veteran status especially those from underrepresented groups in science.

Project details: A field-based investigation into the role of host color in amphibian body temperature and infection susceptibility: The primary objective for this project is understand the relationship between amphibian color, host thermal profile, and infection. The student will investigate this topic using broad-scale field surveys in central California ponds, a region that is ideal for addressing these questions because of previously documented heterogeneity in Bd prevalence and intensity both among ponds and through time.
            The selected REU student will work closely with our collaborative field team in the California Bay Area, where our research into amphibian disease ecology is focused. They will be stationed at the UC Reserve Blue Oaks Ranch, which provides housing, laboratory facilities, and a vibrant academic atmosphere. During this time, the student will gain experience in sampling aquatic ecosystems, including techniques for censusing amphibians and other aquatic organisms. This will include performing additional field sampling techniques including but not limited to: dipnets, seines, visual surveys, snail parasite identification, and pathogen swabbing. In addition, this individual will be expected to assist with daily record keeping and equipment maintenance Along with gaining experience in general field techniques the REU will quantify patterns of Bd infection, host color, and temperature of captured frogs.

To apply: Email an application package that should include (1) a brief statement of interest detailing how obtaining an REU would advance your career goals; (2) a description of related previous research; (3) a statement of how you will support diversity and inclusion in our field team, and finally (4) a current CV. Please compile the application package into a single PDF and email to dana.calhoun@colorado.edu with the subject title (COLOR REU application) by February 11th, 2018.

*Please remember ONLY undergraduates that will be continuing their education in fall 2019 can apply*

To view all positions and locations please visit the Great Basin Institute link below and click on ‘All Current Openings’ .
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org%2Fcareers%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C0c99585f6d014c2af41208d67c84d643%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636833307310873795&sdata=euWMJPiXtwxUMSPcsa%2FrjVz%2BIwj4OIKUIDlqq6oUCpQ%3D&reserved=0

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS) Pacific Southwest Region, is recruiting Forestry Technicians and Crew Leads to work cooperatively with USFS and GBI staff to perform vegetation management and restoration projects within forest/woodland areas. Duties will include performing standardized timber cruising, and assisting in stand exam data collection. Data are gathered using standard instruments, direct measurements, observations, and on-site inspections. Technicians and Leads will also select and mark individual trees for harvest using well defined marking guidelines and silvicultural prescriptions. Training will be provided on tree-species identification, GPS data collection, tree marking, and other project-specific tasks.

To view all positions and locations please visit the Great Basin Institute link below and click on ‘All Current Openings’ .
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org%2Fcareers%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C0c99585f6d014c2af41208d67c84d643%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636833307310873795&sdata=euWMJPiXtwxUMSPcsa%2FrjVz%2BIwj4OIKUIDlqq6oUCpQ%3D&reserved=0

Subject: Sierra Nevada Forest Ecology Crew Lead & Technicians – Summer 2019

The Bisbing Forest Ecology & Silviculture Lab at UNR (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsarahbisbing.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C59758fc6c7854aa1c0fa08d67c84a094%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636833306420116473&sdata=WSukS1ZIrbpPBZEZgqf66n0Q3VBlzsC8mFpydF1SzfA%3D&reserved=0) is hiring two crew leads and five field technicians to sample at sites across the Sierra Nevada in summer 2019. Technicians will collect data to support silviculture and climate change adaptation research. Duties will include, but are not limited to, mapping forest composition and structure, collecting basic forest ecology and health data, surveying understory plant communities, and sampling fuels transects. Additional responsibilities may include data entry and data quality control.

Preferred candidates will have previous experience working in the field, Sierra Nevada plant identification skills, knowledge of tree measurements and forest ecosystem sampling, and the ability to work well with others for long hours under strenuous field conditions. Technicians should be capable of hiking long distances with a heavy pack, have the ability to work under inclement weather conditions, and be able to work collegially as part of a research team. Crew leads should have at least one summer of field technician experience. All crew members must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving a 4wd truck. Field work will involve driving on backcountry dirt roads and hiking and navigating off-trail.

The field season will run for 12 consecutive weeks from late May or early June (dependent upon snowpack) through the end of August. Pay is $15/hour for the crew lead and $12/hr for technician positions. Housing on-site is provided as is a field vehicle for on-site work.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to: Dr. Sarah Bisbing at sbisbing@unr.edu by February 1, 2019.

A full time molecular laboratory technician position is available in my lab at Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine. The existing funding is short term, through June, but it is also possible that it will continue for a few more months.  The project focuses on diet analysis using next generation sequencing and paired isotope data.  Candidates with demonstrated experience in a molecular ecology setting, and who work well independently, are encouraged to apply.

For additional questions, contact Dave Carlon at: dcarlon@bowdoin.edu

Description-

Responsible for day-to-day operations of a molecular ecology research laboratory at Bowdoin College. Prepares samples, DNA libraries, and generates DNA sequence data from using Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing technology. Provides technical expertise to students and staff. Maintains a safe and productive working environment for all end users. This is a benefit eligible position.

Education/Skills Requirements
BS degree in Biology or related field.

Demonstrated expertise in the following areas is preferred:
1.DNA extraction from environmental samples, including preserved tissues and environmental samples.
2.Preparation of multiplex libraries for sequencing on the Illumina platform.
3.PCR and Quantitative PCR (qPCR).
4.Preparation of amplicons for Sanger sequencing.
5.Next generation sequencing bioinformatics.

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
Minimum of 2 years work experience in molecular biology laboratory setting required. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Computer programming experience in bioinformatics strongly preferred.

Standard Work Days and Hours
Up to 40 hrs/week. Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00. This is a temporary position that is funded through June 30th, 2019.

If interested, you can apply by going to: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareers.bowdoin.edu%2Fpostings%2F5713&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cdc37fb91f5b84844c0cd08d67af2aa5c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636831580007913990&sdata=KidPQ1%2BZ9ZhP%2FxtnpHPTQiNgG2FhkSHaBV3BKLlr81c%3D&reserved=0

Ph.D. Assistantship in Fish and Fisheries Ecology and Conservation in the Amazon

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech

A highly qualified and motivated candidate is sought to join a NSF-funded project to study fish and fisheries ecology and landscape genetics in the Brazilian Amazon under the supervision of Drs. Leandro Castello and Eric Hallerman.  Applicants must have: a M.S. in ecology, fisheries, or related field; and record of involvement in research.  Experience with peer-reviewed publications and knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese are preferred.  Financial support will be in the form of research and teaching assistantships.  Anticipated start is Summer 2019.  E-mail questions and applications to leandro@vt.edu and ehallerm@vt.edu