Herpetology Job Opening in Wisconsin

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

Title: Herpetologist
Job Number: 28011 (Classification: Faculty Appointment)
Agency: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Job Description: The Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, has a tenure-track, nine-month faculty position in Herpetology (Assistant Professor), beginning August 2012. Teaching assignment includes courses in Herpetology, Evolution, Introductory Biology, and Senior Seminar. Research with undergraduates, department service, and student advising are expected. We seek applicants from under-represented groups.

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PhD opportunities to study chytridiomycosis in Queensland

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Announcement from James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland

Projects:
1) Immunity to amphibian chytridiomycosis and
2) Virulence of amphibian chytridiomycosis

Chytridiomycosis has caused amphibian declines and extinctions globally as it has spread through naïve populations. It is now endemic in much of its suitable range in Australia where it still causes high mortality rates and threatens amphibian biodiversity. We have project funds to investigate how virulence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and host immunity are evolving as the amphibian host/fungal pathogen relationship adapts to new hosts. The immunity project extends an ongoing collaborative study into factors affecting mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity. The virulence project involves experiments on archived and field collected isolates from different times after invasion to assess strain virulence. Both studies involve lab and animal experiments and proteomics. Both projects could also involve field work and genetics depending on experimental outcomes. In negotiation with the supervisors, the student will be able to pursue areas of interest within this framework. The projects are multidisciplinary and involve collaborators such as Taronga Zoo and NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change. The outcomes of the projects are likely to be used by these and other stakeholders and lead to the improved conservation of amphibian biodiversity. It is also expected that the work will have high scientific impact and contribute to theories on host/pathogen evolution. PhD graduates would be qualified for employment in universities and industry. The selected applicants would need to apply for an APA or international PhD scholarship. Please see http://www.jcu.edu.au/grs/scholarships/index.htm

Ideal PhD candidates will have:

1. 1st class honours or equivalent research credentials in a relevant discipline such as veterinary science or zoology majoring in microbiology or immunology
2. Laboratory skills in amphibian husbandry and experiments
3. Demonstrated publication record
4. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.

Supervisors and Collaborators: Dr Lee Skerratt, Dr Lee Berger, Dr Scott Cashins, Prof Rick Speare, Dr Jason Mulvenna (School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, JCU), Dr Robert Puschendorf (School of Marine and Tropical Biology, JCU), Dr Peter Harlow (Taronga Zoo), Dr David Hunter (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change).

Please send CV, cover letter and 2 reference letters to Lee.Berger@jcu.edu.au by July 20th, 2011.
For more information on the virulence project contact Lee.Berger@jcu.edu.au and on the immunity project contact Lee.Skerratt@jcu.edu.au

Job Opening: Memphis Zoo – POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN AMPHIBIAN REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

Friday, August 21st, 2009

CNAH ANNOUNCEMENT
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
21 August 2009

Position Opening at Memphis Zoo

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN AMPHIBIAN REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

The Memphis Zoo is seeking a post-doctoral fellow who will be responsible for coordinating and conducting reproductive research for endangered amphibians, under the general direction of the Director of Research and Conservation. Responsibilities will include: develop and coordinate a reproductive research program for conservation of amphibians, centered on the creation of a genetic resource bank for endangered anurans,
novel hormone protocols for sperm production and ovulation, in-vitro fertilization and improving captive husbandry and reproduction; organize relevant amphibian field projects to complement the ex-situ reproductive research program; design and implement amphibian reproductive studies of interest to the candidate; husbandry and care of research amphibian collection; mentor and coordinate volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students involved with reproductive studies; provide assistance to all senior
scientists, research associates, graduate students, and/or post-doctoral fellows in conducting investigations related to the collection; assist with the daily operations of the physiology and nutrition laboratory; compile and maintain complete and accurate research and conservation records through database entry, design and management of data including statistical analysis; produce periodic progress reports, scientific publications and financial statements on the amphibian research program; interface with other staff members; present research findings both nationally and internationally; represent the Zoo
at professional meetings and assist collaborators at other institutions; perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission of the research and conservation department and in order to achieve the goals, mission, and objectives of the Zoo. The term of this position is two (2) years, and it is supported by an external grant.

Requirements: a Ph.D. degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science or a related field with an emphasis on reproductive physiology; candidate should have a minimum of two (2) years experience working with amphibians and have one (1) year of experience with reproductive biotechnologies; high degree of motivation; multi-task orientation; high degree of organization; ability to work well in a group environment; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to prepare written material and analyze data for reports; familiarity with use of Windows-based PCs and computer programs, to include a variety of word processing and database management computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, statistical programs, e-mail, and Internet research; familiarity with use of basic office equipment, which may include telephones, typewriters, fax machines, copiers, and other standard office equipment; ability to work indoors or outdoors in all types of weather conditions. The work schedule may include days, weekends, evenings, or holidays as needed and may require travel to other institutions,
collaborating zoological parks, and/or universities in North America and internationally. We will consider any combination of education and experience, that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities. The term of this exempt grant-funded position is two (2) years and includes benefits.

Apply by 1 October 2009. Applications may be downloaded from the Zoo’s website at

http://www.memphiszoo.org/

and submitted at the Zoo or mailed to the attention of

Human Resources
Memphis Zoo
2000 Prentiss Place
Memphis, Tennessee 38112

Send a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, transcripts from graduate school, and the
names and contact information of three (3) professional references. The cover letter
should specifically address how previous experience addresses the skills and tasks
required for this position.

Walk-in interviews, phone calls, and email are not accepted. Applicants must be work-
authorized individuals in the U.S., as specified by Form I-9, which includes a citizen of the
U.S., a non-citizen national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized
to work until a certain expiration date.

POSTDOC Opening: Disease Ecology & Tropical Amphibian Conservation

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

A postdoctoral position is available in lab of Dr. Karen Lips, Department of Biology,
University of Maryland, College Park. Creative and enthusiastic candidates are invited to
apply for a Postdoctoral Scientist position working at the intersection of disease ecology
and amphibian conservation in the neotropics. Dr. Lips is working on a variety of projects
related to the abundance and diversity of amphibians and the impact of Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis (Bd) on individuals, populations, and species at multiple
sites in Central and South America. The position will focus on host-pathogen interactions
at multiple spatial scales, including large-scale field surveys, indoor/outdoor
experiments, and spatial analyses at multiple scales.

To qualify, applicants should have a background in disease ecology, mark-recapture
techniques, population biology, physiology, or related field, demonstration of strong
analytical and writing skills, a record of consistent and high-quality publications, and the
ability to work independently. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience
in Latin America, working with host-pathogen systems, physiology and/or in population
biology.

Primary responsibilities of this position include: (1) conducting mark-recapture studies of
target species of amphibians at multiple sites in Panama and Costa Rica, (2) quantifying
disease prevalence of infection among species, habitats and sites, (3) studying amphibian
thermal physiology, (4) analyzing data and writing manuscripts, (5) contributing to
preparation of grant proposals for future work, and (6) coordinating projects of
undergraduate students involved in similar research in the lab.

Starting salary is $36,000 plus University of Maryland benefits. Funds are available for one
year, and renewable for a second pending satisfactory progress. This position will be
based at the University of Maryland, College Park, but will include fieldwork in Central and
South America. Starting date is negotiable.

Review of applications will begin 1 September 2009 and continue until a suitable
candidate is found. Target start date is Fall 2009. Interested applicants should send a pdf
of their CV, contact information for four references, and a brief statement of research
interests to

Dr. Karen R. Lips
Department of Biology
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland 20742
klips@umd.edu

NEWS RELEASE by:
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas

http://www.cnah.org

11 August 2009


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