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Description
Field Assistant needed to help with PhD study of social spider local adaptation in Ecuadorian rainforest and cloud forest, 1 May- 30 August 2006. There may be some flexibility around the dates for the right person.
Work will involve collecting social spider colonies, counting and sorting individual spiders, and transplanting colonies to different locations. (Spiders are small and are not dangerous). We will then monitor transplanted colonies to measure the effects of the local environment. Additional duties may include help with side projects and data entry. Applicants must be motivated and willing to work long hours in tropical conditions. Should also be able to work independently. Previous ecological field experience is strongly recommended; basic Spanish skills and interest in invertebrate biology are preferred, but not required. Enthusiasm for working outdoors and experiencing a different culture are a must.
Funding for this position will be provided by an NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Award: therefore, applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. They must also be enrolled in a university program as of spring 2006, and have a cumulative grade point average of 80% or above. Contingent on this funding source, the salary is about $350.00/week plus travel to and from Quito, Ecuador. The applicant must pay their own expenses while in Ecuador (estimated at $25/day inclusive), and would have some free time to explore independently.
We may also consider applicants with alternate sources of funding or volunteers. Dates could be more flexible for these individuals, but a minimum time commitment would be required.
To apply for the NSERC funded position, please send a CV, recent transcript (needn't be official), and contact information for 2 references to Jessica Purcell, by February 22.
To apply as a volunteer (or with an alternative fellowship program), please send the same information by April 1, or until the position is filled (so please apply sooner than later).
For more information on the research program of the lab, visit the webpage of Dr. Leticia Avils, http://domingo.zoology.ubc.ca/AvilesLab/labfront.html.