[ECOLOG-L] Field and Laboratory assistantships available for 2017 Summer
Amphibian research assistants needed We are looking for two research assistants to work on a project investigating the effects of climate change and disease on amphibian populations at multiple locations, performing both field and husbandry assistance this summer. Must be available from May-August 2017. Job description: 1) Field research assistant: Field work involves surveying amphibian populations in and around the Fort Polk military base near Leesville, LA and the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology near Linesville, PA, for chytrid fungal pathogens. Requires both day and night work capturing, swabbing, and processing amphibians, hiking in and out of sites, and deploying and checking pitfall traps and coverboards. Must have a valid drivers license and experience with 4WD and driving in rough terrain, be physically fit, and have experience identifying amphibian species. Proven record of field experience is required. Must be willing to travel in between the two locations and work with diverse field teams. When stationed in Linesville, PA, help with animal husbandry of amphibian colonies would be required during days not spent in the field. This position could extend from mid April to September if interested and available. 2) Mesocosm and animal husbandry assistant: Mesocosm work involves maintaining and monitoring a large-scale mesocosm experiment, including taking measurements, checking water levels/quality, and removing metamorphosing animals and maintaining them in a field laboratory. This assistant will also likely help with field research at the PA site, and so field research experience is desirable. Will be located in Linesville, PA from May-August, and a valid drivers license is required. Positions are paid hourly, and housing in Linesville, PA and near Fort Polk, LA is provided. Travel between Louisiana and Pennsylvania for the field assistant position is also provided. To apply, please send a cover letter and CV and contact details for two references to Dr. Michel Ohmer (michel.oh...@pitt.edu) and Dr. Laura Brannelly (laura.branne...@pitt.edu) by March 15th, 2017. If interested in the broader research of the group, please visit our website at http://www.rzlab.pitt.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Call for PhD student: virulence of chytridiomycosis in Australia
*2 PhD opportunities to study virulence of chytridiomycosis at James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia* 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 funds to investigate mechanisms of virulence and how virulence of *Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis *(Bd) is evolving as it adapts to new habitats. One project is focussed on how Bd causes disease and will involve bioassays, toxin identification and possibly gene knockouts. The second project involves comparing Australian Bd strains to assess growth characteristics and virulence. Both projects may involve frog transmission experiments. The students will be able to pursue areas of interest within this framework. The candidates will be part of the enthusiastic and supportive One Health Research Group at JCU, see http://www.jcu.edu.au/phtmrs/abc/JCU_107907.html http://www.jcu.edu.au/cphmvs/public-health-tropical-medicine/JCU_107907.html and Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/onehealthresearchgroup/info. https://www.facebook.com/onehealthresearchgroup/info The projects are multidisciplinary and involve collaborators such as Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Brisbane. The outcomes of the projects will to lead to the improved conservation of amphibian biodiversity and may contribute to theories on host/pathogen dynamics. The selected applicants would need to apply for an APA or international PhD scholarship (due31 Aug). Please see http://www.jcu.edu.au/grs/scholarships/index.htm Ideal PhD candidates will have: 1. 1 st class honours, Masters of Science by research or equivalent research credentials in a relevant discipline such as biology or veterinary science majoring in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or pathology. 2. Demonstrated publication record in high impact journals 4. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Please send CV, cover letter and 2 reference letters to lee.ber...@jcu.edu.au and alex.robe...@jcu.edu.au.
[ECOLOG-L] Help Using M-Surge CMR analysis
Hi EcoLog, I am using the statistical package M-SURGE for a multi-state capture mark recapture analysis on an alpine frog species during their breeding season. I would like to estimate population size, and am having difficulty figuring out how to find the estimate using M-SURGE. I was wondering if anyone has experience with the program and can help me. I have some rough estimates using the Lincoln-Peterson equation, but I was hoping that M-SURGE would be able to give me a more accurate estimate. Thank you for your help! -Laura Laura Brannelly PhD Candidate One Health Research Group School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811
[ECOLOG-L] PhD opportunity: mammal declines and disease outbreaks in Australia
*PhD opportunity to study undiagnosed mammal declines and disease outbreaks in Australia* *James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia* Outbreak Investigations in Australian Wildlife An outbreak investigation approach has been fundamental and essential in determining the cause of many population declines. The cause of enigmatic amphibian declines remained unsolved for 20 years (from 1978-1998, Berger et al 1998 PNAS) until an outbreak investigation approach began in 1996 (Laurance et al 1996 CB). There has been a sudden, rapid and catastrophic decline of brush-tailed bettongs or woylies,* Bettongia pencillata*, in southern Western Australia and widespread declines of small mammals in the Top End of the Northern Territory and Kimberley region of Western Australia in recent years (Wayne et al 2013 Oryx, Woinarski et al 2011 CL). These declines remain undiagnosed and ultimately unresolved resulting in an increased threat of species extinction. The One Health Research Group at JCU have funds to conduct prospective and retrospective outbreak investigations for these declines and other declines that have occurred in Australia including those due to chytridiomycosis and Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease. The project initially involves epidemiological analyses with the potential to expand into other discipline areas depending on research findings. The PhD candidate will be able to pursue their own areas of interest within this framework. The project is multidisciplinary and involves collaborators such as the WA Department of Parks of Wildlife and WWF-Australia. The outcomes of the project are likely to lead to improved conservation of Australian wildlife and advances in the fields of wildlife epidemiology and management. The PhD graduate will achieve competencies that will enable them to fulfil a number of roles such as managing a wildlife health research or wildlife health biosecurity program. The One Health Research Group investigates the causes and control of infectious diseases in wildlife that impact biodiversity, human health and domestic animal health. For more information please see http://www.jcu.edu.au/phtmrs/abc/JCU_107907.html The selected applicant would need to apply for a PhD scholarship (Australian residents and citizens only, due 31 Oct to commence in 2015; International Students, to commence in 2016). 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 epidemiology or ecology, 2. Knowledge of wildlife diseases, 3. Demonstrated publication record in international scientific journals, and 4. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Please send CV, cover letter and 2 reference letters by Sept 30th to or for further information please contact lee.skerr...@jcu.edu.au . Thank you, hope to hear from you soon. Dr. Lee Skerratt One Health Research Group School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4810
[ECOLOG-L] Crayfish trapping method help
Hello Ecologgers I have recently begun a project where I am looking to trap tropical stream dwelling crayfish species in low density sites and seasons. My previous experience with trapping crayfish has been relatively easy, putting baited minnow or crab traps out for a couple of days (baited with cat food, fish carcasses or liver – fish-based canned cat food seems to be the best) and return to traps filled with crayfish. However, I have only trapped crayfish when densities are relatively high, in the late spring/summer. I am looking to trap them in the off season (winter) when I expect densities are low. Using my old methods, I am having no luck. My question for you is do you have any suggestions as to how I should go about trapping crayfish species when densities are low? Should my bait be more smelly and thus more attractive to them? Or maybe a different location in the stream? I’m placing the trap near the bank but fully submerged and lots of aquatic vegetation around. I have seen animals around these sites in the summer and fall, so I know they inhabit these waters - I just need help coaxing them out of hiding. Thank you for your help! -Laura Laura Brannelly PhD Candidate One Health Research Group School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Beware: Predatory Open Access Journals
Hey All, I got an email from the new open access fleet that is JSciMed Central ( http://www.jscimedcentral.com/) which advertises 32 topic journals asking me about becoming an editor for JSM Environmental Science and Ecology. I checked out the journal's publications and although there are few, they appear to be actual science, and their board of editors appear to be legitimate researchers. However, as I did further research into the journal, it turns out to be a scam. Keep your eye out and don't be tempted by offers without checking them out first. Here is a list of predatory publishers: http://scholarlyoa.com/2012/12/06/bealls-list-of-predatory-publishers-2013/ Good luck! -Laura -- Laura Brannelly Public Health and Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811
