The University of Colorado Boulder, USA, is seeking a talented and driven graduate student to join the Johnson laboratory. We’re looking for a self-starting individual passionate about aquatic disease ecology and conservation research. As a member of our lab, you’ll have the freedom to explore various research methods, including lab experiments, fieldwork, and modeling, to tackle fundamental ecological questions.
The Johnson Laboratory is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity. they strive to create a welcoming and safe space where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued and supported.
“How extreme weather events affect disease and threatened species: California and the western United States are experiencing increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Such extreme weather events interact with other stressors – including invasive species and disease – to affect amphibians in ways that may be difficult to predict. Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate taxon on earth, and DoD installations in California represent essential refugia to many threatened and endangered amphibian species”
The graduate student working on this project is expected to spend summers in California’s Bay Area, camping at the Blue Oak Ranch Reserve. They will lead a field crew to conduct annual sampling of freshwater ponds and oversee a large mesocosm project to study drought mechanisms. The ideal candidate for this assistantship should possess strong field technical skills, knowledge of trematode lifecycles and morphological identification, leadership and organizational abilities, and excellent communication skills.
Application Instructions for Prospective Graduate Students
To express interest in joining the Johnson Laboratory, please submit the following:
- Letter of Interest (PDF): Attach to your introduction email.
- Include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
- Overview of research interests and experience.
- Reason for interest in the lab’s work.
- Contributions to diversity and inclusion.
- Post-graduation career goals.
Submission Details
- Email: johnsonlab@colorado.edu
- Subject Line: Prospective Graduate Student
- Deadline: November 1st, 2024
Contact
- Dr. Pieter Johnson (preferred contact)
- Visit: http://johnsonlaboratory.com for more information.
Why this opportunity
Pursuing a PhD in Disease Ecology offers diverse and exciting career opportunities across various fields. In research and academia, you can advance knowledge, teach, and mentor the next generation of scientists. In public health, your work can inform policy, develop strategies, and contribute to disease prevention. Conservation biology offers the chance to mitigate the effects of diseases on wildlife populations, while government agencies provide opportunities to engage in disease surveillance, management, and policy development.
As a PhD graduate in Disease Ecology, you will also have the opportunity to communicate your findings through scientific publications and presentations, contributing to the broader understanding of disease dynamics. Leadership roles in research teams and programs are another potential path, allowing you to guide and influence the direction of scientific inquiry.
A PhD in Disease Ecology provides a unique combination of ecological, evolutionary, and epidemiological expertise, equipping you with advanced research skills and a deep understanding of disease dynamics. This specialized knowledge prepares you to tackle complex health and environmental challenges, offering a fulfilling and impactful career. By pursuing this path, you can make significant contributions to global health and the environment, and potentially take on leadership roles in your chosen field.
