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Postdoctoral Position – Avian Influenza and Wild Birds
PhD Position in Disease Ecology
Veterinary Epidemiologist
Peace Corps - Seeking Environmental Professionals

Postdoctoral Position – Avian Influenza and Wild Birds

PhD Position in Disease Ecology

The successful candidate is expected to further develop a new research project on The interaction of symbiotic microbiota and innate immune defenses of amphibians The project will focus on amphibian host-pathogen interactions with particular emphasis on the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The project will combine field sampling of Swiss amphibians for microbial diversity with laboratory experiments and analyses of innate immune defenses. This work will include molecular analyses in the lab. The final stage of the project will include semi-natural mesocosm experiments to explore the potential of microbial bioaugmentation as a conservation management strategy. Applicants should have some knowledge in at least one of the following areas: microbiology, population or community ecology, immunology. Familiarity with field work on amphibians, lab techniques (PCR, bacterial isolation), experimental design and statistics would be advantageous. Possession of a driving license and good knowledge of the English language are mandatory.

The position begins 1 October, 2008 and extends for a period of 3 years. Salary follows standards of the SNF and Kanton Zurich. If you are interested, please send your CV with list of publications, two letters of reference, and a cover letter summarizing your research interests and relevant experience by August 20 2008 to
Dr. Douglas C. Woodhams
Zoological Institute, University of Zurich
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
Tel: ++41 (1) 635 4982
Fax: ++41 (1) 635 6821
e-mail: dwoodhams@gmail.com
homepage: http://savethefrogs.com/who_we_are/doug_woodhams.html

Further information on our lab and institute is available at: www.unizh.ch/zool
Posted 26 July 2008

The Department of Veterinary Sciences and Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) at the University of Wyoming, are seeking a veterinary epidemiologist for a full-time, tenure-track position in the Department of Veterinary Sciences at the assistant professor level. Responsibilities of this position will entail approximately 35% commitment to professional service (animal disease investigation), 20% teaching and advising, 40% research, and 5% extension, University and public service.  Minimum qualifications include a DVM with at least 3 years of specialized training and/or experience in veterinary epidemiology.  A PhD in epidemiology or a closely related discipline and with several years experience in animal disease investigation may be considered.  Strong preference will be given to candidates who possess both the professional and research degrees, and who have broad knowledge of diseases of domestic animals and wildlife and livestock production systems.

The successful candidate will conduct and/or participate in animal disease investigations from a base in the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and provide biostatistical consultation to other faculty in the department, college and university as needed.  This position is highly collaborative, and the ability to work cooperatively is a must.  Likely collaborators include the Wyoming Departments of Health and Agriculture, the Wyoming State Livestock Board, USDA-APHIS, Wyoming Geographical Information Science Center, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.  He/she must be proficient in both oral and written presentation and will be expected to present relevant animal disease data to livestock producers, professional (continuing education) audiences and the general public.  He/she must also be able to work with livestock producers, wildlife biologists, etc.  The successful candidate will also be expected to develop an extramurally funded research program in the candidate’s area of interest that complements existing programs in the Department and College of Agriculture.  Special emphasis is placed on spontaneous diseases that occur at the wildlife/livestock interface.

Teaching responsibilities include developing and teaching a 3 credit hour Epidemiology course, for the UW interdepartmental Microbiology program, and guest lectures in other courses taught by the Department or College.

Laramie, population approximately 29,000, is located in a scenic, semi-rural intermountain region of southeastern Wyoming in close proximity to the cities of Cheyenne, WY; Denver, and Fort Collins, CO.  Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound.

Review of applications will begin September 1, 2008 and continue until the position is filled. The start date is negotiable but January, 2009 would be desirable. Interested parties should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references to Dr. Merl Raisbeck, c/o Ms. Beth Howell, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY 82070. Electronic submission is greatly preferred (bethlee@uwyo.edu). The application letter should indicate the applicant’s short and long-term goals regarding both research and teaching and outline his/her qualifications for the position described. Additional information concerning the University of Wyoming http://www.uwyo.edu, Department of Veterinary Sciences http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/VETSCI/, or WSVL http://wyovet.uwyo.edu/, can be found at these websites.
Posted 26 July 2008

Peace Corps is Seeking Environmental Professionals!
Are you looking for a different way to share information and educate others about the environment while living and working in a developing nation?  Peace Corps may be the answer.  Founded by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps was created to provide education and technical training to citizens of other countries and to foster cross‑cultural exchange.  Since 1961, over 190,000 Volunteers have served in 139 countries around the world.  Peace Corps is looking for environmental professionals who are interested in new and challenging opportunities or considering alternatives to traditional retirement.
Volunteers work in local communities to create sustainable environmentally focused projects varying from potable water systems to community recycling and reforestation programs.  The education and professional background of volunteers includes: biologists, engineers, foresters, as well as educators and park administrators.  Volunteers come from all walks of life but every one shares in their dedication to the environment and improving the lives of others.
Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment and provides a living allowance,  full medical and dental care, transportation to and from the assigned country, as well as readjustment funds on completion of service.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and have the experience of a lifetime working with others.  For more information on the Peace Corps, and opportunities focused on the environment, click here or copy and paste the link below into your web browser.
www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.whatvol.env&cid=wda