TEMPORARY SUMMER PROJECT ASSISTANT

Join to apply for the TEMPORARY SUMMER PROJECT ASSISTANT role at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

This is a full-time, non-exempt, non-benefitted position from June 2, 2025, to July 31, 2025. The anticipated hiring range is $28 per hour, with offers based on qualifications and experience.

Position Summary

The Research on Aquatic Disease lab (RAD Lab) at the Cary Institute is investigating infectious disease dynamics in aquatic ecosystems. We seek an hourly summer research assistant to conduct laboratory experiments, including running a large experiment on resource availability, energy reserves, host infection, and pathogen load.

Essential Responsibilities

• Culturing zooplankton hosts (Daphnia), fungal parasites (Metschnikowia), and algal resources (Ankistrodesmus)
• Designing and implementing experimental protocols in collaboration with the PI
• Recording, cleaning, and analyzing experimental data
• Building a mathematical model to generate predictions
• Communicating regularly with the PI and collaborators

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Disease Ecology or related field
• At least one year of experience culturing Daphnia, algae, and fungal parasites
• Experience diagnosing infections via dissecting and microscopy
• Experience with life table and infection assays
• Understanding of Dynamic Energy Budget models

Required Skills

• Proficiency in advanced statistical methods, including mixed effects and Bayesian techniques
• Data management and statistical analysis in R
• Strong writing skills

Working Conditions

• Temporary, non-benefitted position
• 35-hour workweek, Monday through Friday

Application Details

Deadline: May 15, 2025

Submit a single document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.

Additional Information

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

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