Dr. Pieter Johnson, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Colorado, Boulder
We are currently seeking highly motivated undergraduates or recent
graduates to apply for positions studying Amphibian Disease Ecology in
California. These positions will focus on the interactive effects of land
use change and biodiversity losses on infectious diseases in amphibians,
including pathogens that cause limb deformities and population declines.
Positions are full-time and begin in mid-May and end in late-August.
California Field Team (East Bay): 2 Positions
Field assistants will conduct intensive sampling of amphibian populations
at more than 150 wetlands across the Bay Area of California, including
Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties. Selected
individuals will gain valuable experience in sampling amphibians, aquatic
invertebrates, fishes, pathogens, water chemistry and wetland habitat
assessment. Ongoing projects include: (a) identifying the determinants of
aquatic biodiversity and (b) evaluating the effects of land use change on
amphibian disease and deformities.
California Experimental Team (Hopland) : 1 Position
A research assistant will participate in the design and implementation of
outdoor mesocosm and field experiments designed to evaluate the effects of
biodiversity losses on amphibian disease. Experiments will be established
at the Hopland Research and Extension Center in Mendocino County. The
selected candidate will develop skills in experimental design, field
sampling of amphibians, parasite biology, water chemistry, and statistical
analysis. Housing will be provided at the Hopland Field Station.
Pacific Northwest Field Team A: 1 Position
We are seeking a field assistant to conduct intensive sampling of
amphibian wetlands in California, Oregon, and Washington as part of a
National Geographic-sponsored project. The research team will be based in
California but will make trips throughout the Pacific Northwest to
resurvey historical malformation sites. Selected individuals will gain
valuable experience in sampling amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, fishes,
pathogens, water chemistry and wetland habitat assessment. Housing will be
provided but candidates should be prepared to camp frequently.
Education/Experience: Successful applicants should have a background in
ecology, biology, or a similar discipline, experience conducting field
research, preferably with amphibians, and outdoor experience. Applicants
must be well organized, highly responsible, conscientious, physically fit,
and able to work closely with others under adverse conditions. Applicants
with the ability to recognize and identify amphibians are preferred.
To Apply: send a cover letter stating which position(s) you are applying
for, a current resume, an unofficial transcript, and contact information
for two references to Miranda Redmond (Miranda.Redmond@colorado.edu)
preferably as a single pdf. Applications will be accepted until the
position is filled. Start/End dates may be flexible. Please contact
Miranda Redmond with questions. Candidates are expected to work 40
hours/week. For more information, see
www.colorado.edu/eeb/
