Amphibian research assistants needed We are looking for two research assistants to work on a project investigating the effects of climate change and disease on amphibian populations at multiple locations, performing both field and husbandry assistance this summer. Must be available from May-August 2017.
Job description: 1) Field research assistant: Field work involves surveying amphibian populations in and around the Fort Polk military base near Leesville, LA and the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology near Linesville, PA, for chytrid fungal pathogens. Requires both day and night work capturing, swabbing, and processing amphibians, hiking in and out of sites, and deploying and checking pitfall traps and coverboards. Must have a valid drivers license and experience with 4WD and driving in rough terrain, be physically fit, and have experience identifying amphibian species. Proven record of field experience is required. Must be willing to travel in between the two locations and work with diverse field teams. When stationed in Linesville, PA, help with animal husbandry of amphibian colonies would be required during days not spent in the field. This position could extend from mid April to September if interested and available. 2) Mesocosm and animal husbandry assistant: Mesocosm work involves maintaining and monitoring a large-scale mesocosm experiment, including taking measurements, checking water levels/quality, and removing metamorphosing animals and maintaining them in a field laboratory. This assistant will also likely help with field research at the PA site, and so field research experience is desirable. Will be located in Linesville, PA from May-August, and a valid drivers license is required. Positions are paid hourly, and housing in Linesville, PA and near Fort Polk, LA is provided. Travel between Louisiana and Pennsylvania for the field assistant position is also provided. To apply, please send a cover letter and CV and contact details for two references to Dr. Michel Ohmer ([email protected]) and Dr. Laura Brannelly ([email protected]) by March 15th, 2017. If interested in the broader research of the group, please visit our website at http://www.rzlab.pitt.edu
