Two graduate student positions are available as part of an NSF-funded project on the evolution and transmission of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, in two endemic systems in southern Africa. The project is a collaboration between Drs. Wendy Turner at the University at Albany (www.wendyturner.org), Pauline Kamath at the University of Maine (https://kamathlab.weebly.com/), and Henriette van Heerden at the University of Pretoria (www.up.ac.za/veterinary-tropical-diseases/article/1945572/h-van-heerden).

Project Background: Anthrax is a globally distributed disease of wildlife, livestock, and humans that can vary in its ecology and epidemiology among geographic areas. These differences in how and when outbreaks occur has served as a stumbling block, limiting understanding of this disease and the ability to predict, and hence respond to, outbreaks in animals and humans. This project will compare two areas in southern Africa that have very different anthrax outbreak dynamics: Etosha National Park, Namibia, where smaller outbreaks occur annually in grazing herbivores in wet seasons, and Kruger National Park, South Africa, where larger outbreaks occur on roughly a decadal scale in browsing herbivores in dry seasons. This collaborative project will consider the roles of host, pathogen, and environment in contributing to the differences in the patterns of anthrax occurrence observed between the two study areas, which are representative of the differences seen among anthrax systems world-wide. The collaborative project team is studying pathogen landscape genomics over decades in each system, host immunogenetics and ecoimmunology, host movement and foraging ecology, population density, and environment, host and pathogen influences on outbreak dynamics.

1. Ph.D. position: Theoretical/Quantitative Disease Ecology
The Turner lab (www.wendyturner.org) at the University at Albany, SUNY seeks a highly motivated Ph.D. student in theoretical or quantitative disease ecology, to start Fall (or Spring) 2019. This Ph.D. project will study ecological and evolutionary interactions between Bacillus anthracis and its herbivorous hosts, contrasting two ecosystems varying in anthrax outbreak dynamics, Etosha National Park, Namibia and Kruger National Park, South Africa. Competitive applicants will have previous research experience, a strong quantitative background with the skills to confront models with data (programing, statistical modeling, and/or theoretical modeling), an interest in conducting fieldwork on charismatic megafauna in African savannas, and the ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Wendy Turner (wcturner@albany.edu). Applications must be submitted through UAlbany’s Biology department (https://www.albany.edu/biology/graduate/phd-biology-eeb.shtml); the application deadline for fall admission is January 15th.

2. Ph.D. Position: Wildlife Population Genomics
A Ph.D. position is available in the Kamath Lab (https://kamathlab.weebly.com/) at the University of Maine, Orono, starting in the Spring or Fall 2019.  The graduate research project will focus on host-pathogen evolutionary dynamics and the genetic basis for heterogeneity in susceptibility to B. anthracis in ungulate hosts of Etosha National Park, Namibia, and Kruger National Park, South Africa. Preferred qualifications include previous research experience in population genomic approaches, field skills, and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team. Interested qualified applicants should send a cover letter, current CV, unofficial transcripts, a publication or writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references to Dr. Pauline Kamath at pauline.kamath@maine.edu.  The cover letter should describe interest in the project and in graduate study, relevant coursework, research experience, and other qualifications. All applications received before December 15th will receive full consideration, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Both the University at Albany and the University of Maine are EEO/AA employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Northern Arizona University provides a vibrant environment for ecological research, combining a long-history of regional excellence with expanding strengths in informatics and ecosystem science. Nestled in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, NAU is in close proximity to a diverse array of ecosystems, as well as year-round and winter outdoor activities.

Interested parties should submit a brief letter of interest, current CV and list of at least 3 references to Brad Butterfield at Bradley.Butterfield@nau.edu.

Brad Butterfield, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Northern Arizona University

WATERBIRD INTERNSHIPS (2)

The two waterbird internships will begin in January 2019 with a 3-month commitment with the possibility for extension depending on project availability and intern performance.  The internships will be based in Milpitas, CA.  The interns will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in waterbird survey techniques and data management. The interns will be assisting with surveys at managed ponds in support of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (www.southbayrestoration.org). The interns may assist with additional projects in the Waterbird Program, including SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring, Colonial Waterbird Nest Monitoring, and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html).

Key Responsibilities:
•       Conduct waterbird surveys and water quality sampling at South Bay ponds
•       Conduct gull counts and behavioral survey at local landfills
•       Work with SFBBO staff, partner agencies, and volunteers to coordinate field work
•       Enter, proof, and manage data collected
•       Assist with equipment maintenance and other SFBBO projects as assigned

Required Qualifications:
•       Coursework toward a degree in biology, ecology, or related field
•       Familiarity with waterbird species of the San Francisco Bay (including shorebirds, waterfowl and gulls)
•       Good physical condition and enthusiasm for long days in the field
•       Willingness to tolerate harsh field conditions (mud, sun, dust, salt spray)
•       Willingness to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings and some weekends
•       Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail
•       Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle
•       Ability to navigate and orient using maps
•       Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•       Effective oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:
•       Recently completed BA/BS in biology, ecology, or related field
•       Excellent waterbird identification skills
•       Off-road driving experience (SFBBO truck provided for off-road driving)
•       Solid computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Access and Excel
•       Experience conducting field work in the San Francisco Bay

Compensation:   Applicants should be students or recent graduates (within the last year) with a degree in wildlife biology, environmental science or a related field.  This is a full-time internship position.  A stipend of $125/week will be provided.  Shared housing may be available at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, CA for non-residents.  An SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel.  SFBBO will provide most field gear, including a spotting scope.

COLONIAL WATERBIRD INTERNSHIP (1)

The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking a part-time intern to assist with the Colonial Waterbird Project.  The internship will begin January 1, 2019 and extend through August 31, 2019.  The internship will be based in Milpitas, CA, although many tasks can be completed remotely.  The intern will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in data management, volunteer management, and waterbird survey techniques. The intern’s primary role will be managing volunteers, data entry, and maintaining a database for the Colonial Waterbird Monitoring Project, a citizen science project. The intern may also assist with SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html).

Key Responsibilities:
•       Manage volunteer site assignments and respond to inquiries
•       Enter, proof, and manage colonial waterbird data collected by citizen scientists
•       Prepare short summary reports of colonial waterbird data for local organizations
•       Prepare training materials for citizen scientists and plan or participate in outreach events
•       Conduct gull counts in the field during breeding season
•       Assist with surveys to collect dead, diseased, and injured birds in South Bay sloughs as part of an effort to prevent avian botulism outbreaks
•       Work with SFBBO staff, partner agencies, and volunteers to coordinate field work
•       Assist with other SFBBO projects as assigned

Required Qualifications:
•       Coursework toward a degree in biology, ecology, or related field
•       Solid computer skills and experience with data entry, proofing, and analysis
•       Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail
•       Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•       Effective oral and written communication skills
•       Interest in working with volunteers/citizen scientists

Preferred Qualifications:
•       Familiarity with waterbird species of the San Francisco Bay
•       Experience using Microsoft Access and Excel
•       Experience doing fieldwork with spotting scopes
•       Previous participation in citizen science programs

Applicants should be students or recent graduates (within the last year) with a degree in wildlife biology, environmental science or a related field.  The internship is unpaid and hours can be used for volunteer or course credit if approved by your university. The internship will require 5-10 hours per week, including weekly meetings with the Program Director. Select weeks with field work (e.g. Gull Surveys in mid-May) may require up to 15 hours per week on a limited basis. If field work is performed, an SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel.  SFBBO will also provide most field gear, including a spotting scope.

TO APPLY
Please e-mail the following materials to Dr. Max Tarjan, mtarjan@sfbbo.org:  1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Indicate in your cover letter whether you would like to be considered for a Waterbird Internship, the Colonial Waterbird Internship, or both.  Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name. Include “Waterbird Internship” in the e-mail subject. The deadline for applications is November 30th.  SFBBO is an EOE.