Biology Jobs

This site contains a list of job and graduate school opportunities for students in Biological Sciences. It is NOT a comprehensive list, but a place for Cortland faculty to notify interested students of opportunities that cross our desks.

You can use this blog 3 ways:
1. View the entire list by clicking on the Biology Jobs headline above
2. View positions in a particular area by clicking on the categories to the right
(subcategories are in italics).
3. Search by keyword.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Dr. Mary Beth Voltura.

Private biomedical company looking for a new member of their team to provide technical assistance in laboratory and field based studies on a new sterilization processes using supercritical carbon dioxide under general supervision. The mission of the company is to provide the tissue banking industry with terminally safe allografts and medical devices, with out harmful residuals while maintaining the strength and integrity of the tissue. We are seeking a technician who can provide a full range of support, with minimal supervision, in a laboratory which uses tissue and cell culture as well as working with multiple microorganism.

The ideal candidate will have laboratory research experience with microbiology and aseptic techniques, ability to troubleshoot methods, perform routine laboratory procedures, prepare reagents and buffers and coordinate daily research activity to maintain smooth operation of laboratory. Maintain complex laboratory records; write reports, contribute to publications and assist with grant researching and writing proposals. Confidence to work independently as well as in a team environment. Attention to detail, organizational skills, computer literacy and willingness to learn new technology as it is optimized.

Dr. Renee A. Christopher Ph.D.
Director of Research
NovaSterilis Inc.
3109 N. Triphammer Road
Lansing NY 14882
607-330-2772
rac1@novasterilis.com

The DEC is taking a new approach to hiring entry level biologists. Rather than offering a written competitive civil service exam every four or five years, NYS Civil Service just approved a continuous recruitment process in which qualified candidates will provide training and experience information to be used for ranking. According to the announcement, this may may be updated every 12 months. Feel free to pass this e-mail on to folks who may be interested.

Open-Competitive Continuous Recruitment:

20-811 Biologist Trainee 1 (Aquatic)
20-812 Biologist Trainee 1 (Ecology)
20-813 Biologist Trainee 1 (Marine)
20-814 Biologist Trainee 1 (Wildlife)
www.cs.state.ny.us/announ/cr_announcements/20-811.htm

We are seeking one additional research technician to conduct wetland surveys (as part of a 4-person crew) throughout Pennsylvania and in northern Ohio and western New York. Training will begin at the University of Pittsburgh’s field station in Linesville, PA on May 28 or 29, and surveys will be completed by the end of June. The goal of the project is to collect data on the abundance of a common invasive species (purple loosestrife), the impacts of a biological control agent released to feed on loosestrife, and environmental variables that may affect biocontrol effectiveness. Applicants should be willing to work with a group independently in the field after being trained in survey techniques, species identification, and sample collection methodology. Experience in wetland plant species identification and ecological data collection techniques will be beneficial. Applicants should also be physically capable of working long hours in inclement weather and of working in flooded marshes (gear such as boots, waders, etc. will be provided).

All transportation and lodging will be provided, in addition to a weekly stipend. Lodging will consist of a mixture of tent camping and staying in field stations or similar accommodations. Transportation will be in a University of Pittsburgh vehicle. All applicants should have a current drivers license and a good driving record and be willing to share driving responsibilities.

To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to Steve Hovick(shovick@plantbio.uga.edu). Please also include contact information for three references (email preferred) and their relationship to you (e.g. instructor, TA, employer, etc.). Applications will be accepted and reviewed immediately until this position has been filled.

The Cornell Biological Field Station announces the availability of one aquatic ecology research position beginning in June/July 2008. The position includes field and laboratory work involving limnological studies of Oneida Lake and other New York waters. The successful applicants will assist in field data collection, water analysis (for limnological variables such as chlorophyll, total phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen etc.), summarization of data into a long-term database, carry out field investigations on Oneida Lake, New York, and interact with undergraduate interns, graduate students, and visitors. This person will also assist in the management of historical databases for not only Oneida Lake but also other New York lakes. This position provides an excellent opportunity for graduating seniors who wish to gain hands-on experience involving the ecology of aquatic ecosystems and who desire to use this experience before entering graduate school.

A SETTING FOR EXCELLENCE: The Field Station is a highly interactive, research-oriented environment. During the summer, a weekly seminar offers opportunities for research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, Cornell campus faculty, and visiting scientists to exchange ideas. The Cornell Biological Field Station is a well-equipped facility located on the south shore of Oneida Lake, NY. The Station is located 12 miles northeast of Syracuse, and is only a 20-minute commute to shopping centers, Hancock International Airport, and the Amtrack train station. The Field Station is recognized nationally and internationally for its research accomplishments in basic and applied aquatic ecology.

FULLTIME POSITION: Successful applicant will be a full-time Cornell temporary employee stationed at the Biological Field Station and will be eligible for Cornell health benefits. Housing on Field Station premises is available and initial appointment is for 1 year.

LOCATION: The successful applicant will be located at the Cornell University Biological Field Station in Bridgeport, NY and the position is expected to last for 1-2 years.

TO APPLY: Please send a letter of inquiry and a current resume to: Dr. Edward L. Mills, Director, Cornell Biological Field Station, 900 Shackelton Point Road, Bridgeport, NY 13030. You may call at 315-633-9343 or e-mail at elm5@cornell.edu. To learn more about CBFS, check out the CBFS website at http://www.dnr.cornell.edu/fieldst/cbfs.htm.

QUALIFICATIONS - A bachelor’s degree is required and a strong interest in aquatic ecology is preferred. Courses in limnology, general chemistry, statistics, and ecology are desirable. Ability to work independently and strong computer skills are also desirable. Must be willing to work in a team setting.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MAY 21, 2008 or until a suitable candidate is found

The Department of Biological Sciences of Fordham University has a select number of research and teaching fellowships available for enthusiastic, highly qualified M.S. and Ph.D. students interested in ecology and field biology, with a broad range of research topics available.

Areas of emphasis for graduate research include: ecology of vector-borne diseases, ecosystem responses to local and regional disturbances, evolution of intracellular bacterial pathogens and mutualists, plant-pollinator interactions, ecology of algae in streams and rivers, global climate change, terrestrial and aquatic microbial ecology, winter ecology of small mammals, mycorrhiza, avian ecology and behavior, and the ecology of invasive species. The program recently added three new faculty members specializing in conservation biology, with research emphases on birds, mammals, and plants. Research projects in collaborations with staff at the Wildlife Conservation Society (http://www.wcs.org) and New York Botanical Garden (http://www.nybg.org) are also available for incoming graduate students.

Students will have use of the Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station (http://www.fordham.edu/calder_center) and the facilities of the biology department (http://www.fordham.edu/biology) for their studies. Students also benefit from small class sizes and active mentoring by faculty. The biology department is located at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus in New York City, providing ready access to the diverse array of opportunities offered by the city. The Calder Center is located in suburban Westchester County, approximately 25 miles north of Rose Hill.

Stipends begin at $27,000 per year, plus full tuition remission.
Applications may be submitted online or requested from: http://www.fordham.edu/gsas

Questions can be directed to us by email (jdlewis@fordham.edu or wehr@fordham.edu) or at Graduate Ecology Admissions, Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station, Fordham University, PO Box 887, Armonk, NY USA, 10504.

Study effects of climate on the behavior and physiology of the American pika, an alpine mammal that may be threatened by climate change. This position involves extensive field work, some self-directed, as well as participation in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation through the University of Colorado-Boulder (CU).

The successful applicant will be housed at CU’s Mountain Research Station (MRS) throughout the summer, and will participate in a 1-credit research course along with other REU students. The MRS is located at 9,000 feet, 40 minutes west of Boulder, CO (for details, see http://www.colorado.edu/mrs/). Food and lodging at the MRS will be provided free of charge, in addition to a stipend of $3,000 for the summer. This independent research project will be conducted under the guidance of two researchers with extensive experience studying pikas, and will involve taking blood and tissue samples from live pikas in the field, as well as studying pika behavior.

Applicants must be available Monday-Friday from June 9 through August 15. Those interested in developing an honors project related to this study are especially welcome to apply. REU guidelines (http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp) stipulate that each applicant must be an American citizen currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a degree program. Apply by email to Chris.Ray@Colorado.Edu. Include a resume and a description of relevant experience in ecology and in alpine settings. Note: Although other REU positions associated with the MRS have been filled, applications for this late-breaking position will be accepted until May 15.

I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland looking for an undergraduate interested in research experience with invasive plant species and disturbance in plant communities. This is a great opportunity to spend the summer outdoors and gain valuable research experience. I am looking for someone who enjoys nature and is willing and able to work outside in the summer. I typically work at my field station during the week and return home to DC for the weekend. Room to live and work, utilities, and most meals are paid for. The position will involve assisting me in making measurements on native and invasive plants grown in experimental communities. You will learn to identify native and invasive plant species, how to design and run a large-scale field experiment, and will have the opportunity to design and work on your own (related) project. The field location is near Winchester, Virginia (approx. 70 miles west of DC) at the Blandy Experimental Farm, a research station that has a community of both graduate students and ~15 undergraduates working there each summer. The large number of students provides for a lively community. This is also where the State Arboretum of Virginia is located, and many popular hiking trails (including the Allegheny trail) and wineries are nearby. This is a great chance to work and have fun outdoors in the countryside of the Shenandoah Valley. This is a volunteer position, and there may be an option to receive credit, if your program allows it. The position can last all or part of the summer. E-mail Kevin Barry at kbarry1@umd.edu for more information.

TITLE:Plover Steward
# OF POSITIONS:Three
TYPE OF POSITIONS:Seasonal (20 weeks)
STARTING DATE:April 7, 2008 (flexible)
ENDING DATE:August 22, 2008

SUPERVISOR:Coastal Resources Manager

The position pays $10 per hour for a 40 hour week, with housing. Housing is provided at our facility in East Quogue, NY.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Plover Steward working in a team, locates and monitors piping plover and least tern nesting sites on private property on Westhampton Island and the Town of Southampton, Long Island. Once nesting areas are identified, the Plover Steward educates private landowners about piping plover and least tern biology and protection needs, requests permission from private landowners to protect nests with symbolic fencing and predator exclosures, determines the land use needs of the landowner and reaches mutual decisions on placement of fencing and use of predator exclosures. The Plover Steward erects symbolic fencing and predator exclosures at nesting areas where landowner’s permission is obtained.

The Plover Steward monitors reproductive success throughout the breeding season, records specified field observations and assists with preparation of final reports. Private landowners who consent to protection efforts are asked to sign a piping plover/least tern registry agreement which automatically renews on an annual basis. Registry agreements give Conservancy staff prior approval to fence and exclose nests. The Plover Steward works closely with the Coastal Resources Manager and the Conservation, Finance & Policy Advisor.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Interest in protection of piping plovers, least terns and rare coastal plants; wildlife biology degree preferred; ability and willingness to work long hours outdoors, including most summer weekends, and participate in strenuous activity; demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a wide variety of people including government officials and staff, private landowners, beach users, and volunteers; valid driver’s license, ability to drive a standard transmission and own transportation; (ability to operate a 4WD vehicle strongly preferred) ability to schedule work efficiently with a minimum of supervision; familiarity with Long Island and/or ability to read and interpret maps; and a commitment to conservation and the goals of The Nature Conservancy.

PLEASE SEND YOUR RESPONSE TO:
Bonnie Verrine, Director of Operations
The Nature Conservancy Long Island Chapter
250 Lawrence Hill Road
Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. 11724
bverrine@tnc.org

TITLE: Land Steward Assistant
TYPE OF POSITIONS:Seasonal (Approximately 15 weeks)

DURATION: May - August
SUPERVISOR: Director of Preserves and Facilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Land Steward Assistant will assist Nature Conservancy staff in the day to day operation of the Long Island preserves. He/she will be responsible for assisting The Nature Conservancy’s Preserves staff with the preserve’s programs, including preserve stewardship tasks such as mowing, invasive species removal, following biological monitoring protocols, facilities maintenance, and working with volunteer work crews. This is a paid position for $12.00 per hour for 35 hours per week. Housing is not provided.

DUTIES:
*Perform stewardship tasks, including fence and building maintenance, trail maintenance, follow ecologically based mowing regimes, wildlife habitat mapping and monitoring, biological inventory, vegetation monitoring, and weed management.
*Supervise volunteer work crews to perform stewardship tasks. Assist staff with all tasks associated with volunteer workdays including logistics, preparing equipment and supplies, arranging transportation, overseeing task, and visitor safety.
*Assist with preserves outreach and public events, including logistics and visitor safety.
*Maintain visitor facilities such as kiosks.
*Assist other staff with duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
*Completion or progress toward a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biology, forestry, range management, fisheries, wildlife management, a related field, or equivalent experience.
*Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people. Excellent verbal communication skills are necessary.
*Ability to work long days and perform physical labor in hot weather conditions.
*Ability to work efficiently and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.
*A cheerful and outgoing personality, positive attitude, sense of humor, and team spirit.
*Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends as needed.
*Familiarity with the flora and fauna of Long Island is highly desirable.
*Certification in CPR and first aid is desirable.
*Familiarity and experience with stewardship issues is preferable.
*Commitment to the preservation of biological diversity.

PLEASE SEND YOUR RESPONSE TO:

Bonnie Verrine
The Nature Conservancy
250 Lawrence Hill Road
Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. 11724
bverrine@tnc.org