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Student Opportunities

Jobs and Internships in Biology

https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/grfp-nsf-graduate-research-fellowship-program/nsf24-591/solicitation

Genetic hybridization of Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) populations

Tansy is a non-native invasive weed. Its flowers are bright yellow discs up to a half an inch in diameter. The flowers look somewhat like chrysanthemums that are missing their white petals. We are working on developing a genetic control method to manage weed populations. Since the plant is self-incompatible, we plan to cross diverse collections of tansy to identify compatible genotypes for future tissue culture/plant transformation experiments.

Objective:

To cross hybridize diverse tansy collections necessary to assess genotype compatibility and evaluate fertility.

Procedure and approximate time needed for handling:

  1. Planting and maintaining tansy plants in greenhouses and growth chambers, this management requires ~2 hours/day for 3 days/week for 3-4 months
  2. After flowering, physically crossing different combinations of genotypes, 2 times/week for several weeks (~2 hours/day and 3 days/week)
  3. Seed viability testing – seeds will be collected from crossed lines and tested for viability and fertilization efficiency (3 hours /day and 3 days a week).

Project duration: ~6 months (depending on research interest this could be expanded)

Expected outcomes: Hands on research at a USDA-ARS laboratory, co-authorship on applicable manuscripts, and scientific training and career development.

Requirements: 18+ years of age. The student will get basic technical trainings in the lab to perform the required tasks safely and on time.

Please contact Dr. Matthew Tancos at matthew.tancos@usda.gov for more information.

We are currently recruiting for a variety of positions in the WilsonLab to study the ecology of freshwater harmful algal blooms. 

Current job openings

For any questions about these opportunities, please contact Alan Wilson at wilson@auburn.edu

The University: Auburn University is an R1 land-grant institution organized into twelve academic colleges and schools and ranked 40th among public universities in the U.S. News and World 2021 Report. For 2020, 24,505 undergraduates as well as 6,232 graduate and professional students were enrolled. The University is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, commitments to community engagement, positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. To learn more about the University, please visit: http://www.auburn.edu/

The Community: Auburn is recognized as one of America’s best small towns with a moderate climate and easy access to major cities, beaches, and mountains. The city is situated along the rapidly developing I-85 Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, corridor. The combined Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a growing population of over >60,000. The City of Auburn grew 43% in the past decade and is known for an excellent public school system and a local medical center acknowledged as among the best in the region. The City of Auburn website has information on the community and services that can be accessed at: https://www.auburnalabama.org/

 

Title: EHS, Administrative Coordinator I

Hours per Week: 10

Duration of Assignment: Ongoing

Location: Onsite, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD

Hourly Rate: $17.00

Position Specifics:

  • Working under the direction of a safety officer, responsible for implementation of select site safety equipment inspections to include:
    • Verification of proper operation of emergency lights.
    • Verification of proper operation of exit lights.
    • Verification of proper placement and status of fire extinguishers.
    • Testing for proper operation of eye washes
  • Work will include:
    • Walking the NCI at Frederick campus, climbing and descending stairs as necessary to access the equipment
    • Entering mechanical spaces to include attics and basements (no animal or laboratory spaces)
  • Tasks:
    • Schedule tests and inspections in electronic records system
    • Inspect and test the equipment via physical inspection and hands on testing
    • Document results of inspection/test in electronic records system
    • Provide feedback and input on process improvements, reporting, and testing of new software features.
  • Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
    • Ability to walk in outdoor environments
    • Ability to use stairs to access inspection and testing locations
    • Familiarity with computer and tablet applications and ability to use
    • Technical awareness of equipment to complete inspection and testing (e.g., fire extinguisher, exit lights, eye wash stations)
       

How to apply: Apply in the FNL Trainee Program. (Please specify that you are applying for the “EHS, Administrative Coordinator I” position under “Interest Areas.”)

The Near-Peer Mentor (11th & 12th grade students and college students) and Teacher applications are now being accepted.

See the attached flyers or visit https://www.usaeop.com/program/frederick/ for more information and to apply.

For inquiries, please email usarmy.detrick.medcom-usammc.other.educational-outreach@health.mil.

GEMS NPM Teacher

Are you passionate about science and eager to be involved with research that can shape the future of our planet? The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is now accepting applications to join their 2025 team of summer interns!

Interns at SERC conduct independent projects on a wide range of topics, including some of the most profound issues challenging our world today, such as habitat loss, climate change and invasive species. The internship program enables students to work on independent research projects relevant to their own academic and professional goals under the mentorship of an internship supervisor. Projects span the range of research conducted at SERC, including environmental chemistry, marine and estuarine ecology, molecular ecology and terrestrial ecology. Projects are also offered in public engagement, with opportunities in environmental education, participatory science and science writing.

Summer interns are paid a stipend of $650 per week, and on-site dormitory housing is available. Internship appointments are typically full time (40 hours per week) and 10-16 weeks long.

Please visit the SERC Internship page for more details and application instructions. Applications are due by February 15.

REU 2025

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Monitoring and Non-Tidal Assessment Division (MANTA) is currently accepting applications for multiple seasonal hourly positions. The selected candidates may assist with the collection of water quality, biological, and habitat data in both tidal and non-tidal rivers of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s Coastal Bays and Deep Creek Lake. Primary duties include collecting water quality samples, measuring stream and storm flow, surveying for stream fish and freshwater mussels, collecting and processing benthic macroinvertebrate samples, measuring instream habitat, and entering monitoring data to assist with reporting. Sampling may be conducted from boats, bridges, piers and while wading or snorkeling within streams. Duties may also include maintaining and calibrating water quality sampling equipment, preparation of sampling/ laboratory supplies, electrofishing, maintenance of aquaculture systems, conducting data verification and analysis, delivery of samples to the laboratory and other duties as assigned.

Selected candidates must be willing to work long and flexible hours aboard boats, from bridges, and in streams, under various weather conditions. Some positions may require being on call for weekend storm sampling. Overnight trips lasting up to three weeknights may be required during sampling season, for some positions. All these positions may require carrying heavy equipment over rough and uneven terrain; must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Operating a large vehicle (van or truck) while driving around the State of Maryland is part of the responsibilities. Hot weather, biting insects, long hikes, briars, and snakes may also be encountered. Each person must provide their own transportation to meet a field crew prior to traveling to sampling sites.

For more information or to apply, see the full job posting. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 3, 2025.