TITLE: Field Assistants (5-6 positions) EMPLOYER: The University of North Carolina (with the University of Minnesota)
LOCATION: Hopland, CA JOB DESCRIPTION: We seek assistants to work full time on two NSF-funded projects that use a group of aphid-transmitted viruses and the wild grass species they infect to investigate the dynamics of generalist, vector-borne pathogens. Employment will extend from early February through June 2013 at the University of Californias Hopland Research and Extension Center: http://ucanr.org/sites/hopland/ Work is primarily in the field with occasional duties in the greenhouse and lab. Responsibilities include collecting plant samples for biological and chemical lab assays, surveying aphid populations and enemy damage on plants, estimating plant species abundances via percent cover, weeding experimental plots, propagating plants in the greenhouse, and measuring plant physiological traits. Flexible work hours and some weekends required. Start and end dates are moderately flexible. Dorm housing and on-site transportation is provided, but assistants are responsible for their own transportation to the site. This is a great opportunity to participate in and learn about basic ecological and epidemiological research. Interested assistants can receive scientific and career mentoring, and past field assistants have gone on to permanent positions and graduate school. Website: http://labs.bio.unc.edu/Mitchell/ResearchFrontpage.htm QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Outdoor research experience, especially field work with plants, insects, or microbes. Willingness and ability to work outdoors under a wide range of weather conditions (daytime temperatures range from 45-95 ̊F, and rain is common), and to perform mildly strenuous field work for extended periods (up to 9 hours). Especially essential is a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and to interact respectfully in a communal living setting. Preferred: BA or BS degree, with coursework in ecology/botany. Valid drivers license. Experience measuring photosynthesis/using IRGAs; experience measuring soil nutrients. Familiarity with California flora. TO APPLY: Please send a brief cover letter, a CV or resume, and contact information for at least two references by email to the address below. Review of applications will begin in late October, and continue until filled. SALARY: $10.61/hr, on-site housing included LAST DATE TO APPLY: 15 November 2012 (rolling) CONTACT: Miranda Welsh Email: [email protected] (preferred) Phone: 919-357-7833
