The Research on Aquatic Disease Lab is hiring for two positions. More details are available on their website.
Laboratory Technician
The RAD Lab at The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is recruiting for a Laboratory Technician to join our team investigating the drivers and consequences of infectious disease in aquatic ecosystems. This position will involve three core duties: 1) maintaining basic operations in the laboratory, 2) performing field sampling protocols, and 3) assisting with observational and experimental studies. Within these duties, the technician may undergo a variety of tasks, including (but not limited to): ordering laboratory supplies; participating in literature reviews; entering and organizing data; collecting benthic and planktonic invertebrates and amphibians from freshwater ponds and lakes; dissecting and/or visualizing hosts for parasites; culturing algae and zooplankton; assisting with experimental protocols. The individual will be expected to communicate regularly with the project PI and may act as a team leader for research assistants and interns.
The position carries the opportunity of acting as a bridge between an undergraduate degree and graduate-level education. The technician will be provided with close mentoring by the PI, opportunities to lead research projects, as well as networking and support toward building a competitive graduate school application.
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Competitive candidates will have research experience or training in aquatic ecology or parasitology, which may include experience with dissecting hosts, identifying parasites, culturing algae and/or zooplankton, and use of field aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., dipnet, seine, plankton tow). Proficiency in Excel is desired.
The start date is May 1, 2025 (start date is flexible/negotiable).
Seasonal Project Assistants (1–2 positions available)
The RAD Lab at the Cary Institute is pursuing questions on the drivers and consequences of infectious disease in aquatic ecosystems and needs 1-2 hourly assistants to participate in field work and laboratory experiments. The individual will work in a team of 3-4 members performing an aquatic field sampling protocol focused on benthic and planktonic invertebrates (i.e., snails and zooplankton) in freshwater ponds and lakes. Individuals will perform the following duties: 1) field sampling techniques including (but not limited to): dipnet, seine, plankton tow, visual survey, quadrat, and transect, 2) dissection and/or visualization of invertebrate hosts for parasite isolation, identification, and quantification, 3) data entry. Additional laboratory-based duties will include maintaining general laboratory organization, culturing algae and zooplankton, and assisting with experimental protocols. The individual will be expected to communicate regularly with the project PI and senior personnel.
Candidates should have completed some undergraduate-level coursework in the biological sciences. Competitive candidates will have research experience or training in aquatic ecology or parasitology, which may include experience with dissecting hosts, identifying parasites, culturing algae and/or zooplankton, and use of field aquatic sampling techniques. Proficiency in Excel is desired.
Employment can begin June 2, 2025 with an end date of October 2, 2025.