Job Openings: Field assistants in plant disease ecology (5 positions) Employer: The University of North Carolina (with the University of Minnesota)
Location: Hopland, CA, USA Job description: We seek assistants to work on two NSF-funded projects to answer two of the most pressing questions facing scientists today: ‘What determines an individual’s risk of being infected by a pathogen, and why are many hosts infected by multiple pathogen species?’ To answer these questions, we study aphid-transmitted viruses that infect wild grasses in beautiful Northern California. Assistants will work closely with grad students, postdocs, and technicians. The majority of work will be done in the field, with some in the lab and greenhouse. Work will include planting new experiments, pulling weeds from these experiments, collecting samples for virus assays, surveying aphid populations, quantifying plant physiological traits, and estimating plant species percent cover. Employment may extend from January through May 2011, to be discussed in the interview. Flexible work hours required. Housing is provided on site at the University of California’s Hopland Research and Extension Center. This is a great opportunity to learn about ecological theory and methodologies while contributing to cutting-edge research. The assistants will receive scientific and career mentoring. Past assistants have gone on to permanent scientific positions and graduate school. Also, these same seasonal positions will be rehired in future years, with preference to past employees. Qualifications: Required: At least one undergraduate class in ecology. Willingness to work outdoors under a wide range of weather conditions, including chilly and wet. Ability to perform mildly strenuous field work for extended periods. The capacity to work well in a team is essential. Valid driver’s license. Preferred: BA or BS degree, with upper-level coursework in ecology. Research experience in ecology, especially field work with plants, insects, or microbes. To apply, send a brief cover letter, possible start and end dates, a CV or resume, and contact information for two references by email to the address below. Review of applications will begin 15 November 2010, and continue until filled. Salary: $10.61/hr, housing is provided on site Contact: Dr. Charles Mitchell Email: [email protected] http://www.bio.unc.edu/Faculty/Mitchell/lab/ResearchFrontpage.htm
