Prospective post-docs: If you have an idea for a post-doc project on wildlife disease, parasite ecology, or parasite-microbiome interactions please feel free to get in touch – I would be happy to collaboratively develop a proposal for post-doc funding.
Prospective graduate students: If you are interested in joining the lab as a Ph.D. and Master's students please reach out to tell me about your research interests and experiences and include a resume or CV. All prospective graduate students should plan on applying for graduate fellowships – these help pay for your tuition and salary, look great on your CV, and allow you to spend more time conducting your research. Some of the fellowships that you should consider include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program and Ford Foundation. We are currently advertising for a funded graduate research assistantship, please see below.
Graduate Opportunity in Wildlife Disease Ecology
Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA): Mountains as disease refugia for moose in a changing world
Position description: The GRA will study parasite distributions and animal strategies to adapt to warming climates and increased parasite exposure. Research will focus on moose and their parasites (winter ticks, arterial worms) in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah. Key aims include 1) estimating tick and arterial worm exposure across elevations used by moose; 2) determining how environmental factors influence parasite survival; and 3) developing parasite distribution models to inform moose management.
Minimum qualifications:
How to Apply: Please submit a *single PDF* to Sara.Weinstein [at] usu.edu titled “GRAPosition_Moose_ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName”. This PDF should include:
Position description: The GRA will study parasite distributions and animal strategies to adapt to warming climates and increased parasite exposure. Research will focus on moose and their parasites (winter ticks, arterial worms) in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah. Key aims include 1) estimating tick and arterial worm exposure across elevations used by moose; 2) determining how environmental factors influence parasite survival; and 3) developing parasite distribution models to inform moose management.
Minimum qualifications:
- BS or BA in wildlife biology, biology, ecology or related field
- Experience conducting field research
- Experience in at least one of the following areas: 1) Molecular work (e.g., DNA extractions, PCR, sequencing); 2) Parasitology (e.g., dissections, identification); or 3) Entomology (e.g. collections, identification)
- Excellent written and personal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with agency scientists and wildlife-technicians
- Experience analyzing, presenting, and publishing scientific results
How to Apply: Please submit a *single PDF* to Sara.Weinstein [at] usu.edu titled “GRAPosition_Moose_ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName”. This PDF should include:
- A one-page cover letter that describes your motivations, qualifications and how this position advances your career goals.
- A CV/resume that includes contact information (phone and email) for two references.
- Unofficial transcripts from undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate education.
- Scientific writing sample (academic paper or report written primarily by the applicant).
Undergraduate Students
USU undergraduates interested in joining the lab should contact me via email: Sara.weinstein[at]usu.edu. Please be prepared to send me a CV and a description of your research interests when you contact me.