[Coral-List] Summer research assistantship in Belize

[Derek Hogan]

Summer Research Assistantship: Lionfish Ecology

Job Description: Researchers at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi are
looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to assist in all
aspects of research on lionfish ecology and population dynamics with the
Hogan Lab at Turneffe Atoll, Belize
(http://derekhoganresearch.wordpress.com/). Our research investigates how
invasive lionfish are affecting the community structure and genetic
composition of native fish recruits. We are also looking at the connectivity
among lionfish populations at Turneffe Atoll. Field work will include
conducting reef fish ID surveys via SCUBA, lionfish removals, collections of
native fishes with hand nets, and acting as surface support for other
divers. Lab work will consist of dissections to determine lionfish sex and
stomach contents, sample processing for DNA preservation and data entry.
There is the opportunity for the successful applicant to design and conduct
an independent project while on site. 

 

Qualifications: The successful applicant will be AAUS certified and able to
provide a letter of reciprocity from their home institution. Additionally
PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) and higher certifications are
desirable. You must be physically fit, comfortable spending long hours
outside in hot conditions and willingness to work long days and weekends is
a necessity. Undergraduate course work in ecology, marine biology, and
previous field work experience is preferred but not required. Knowledge of
Caribbean reef fish ID, and marine sampling techniques are desirable.

 

Dates of travel: the exact dates of travel are still being determined,
however the trip is expected to extend from the first week of June retuning
to the US on or about August 24th. We will fund the successful applicant's
flight to and from Belize (from the contiguous United States only) as well
as all work related expenses while in Belize including room and board.

 

Application process: If you are interested in applying for this position,
please send a 1 page cover letter explaining your interest in the job; a
current resume (or CV) describing your relevant experience as it pertains to
the required and desired qualifications; names and contact information for
two professional references; to Jason Selwyn (jselwyn at tamucc.edu).
Evaluation of applications will begin April 12 and continue until the
position is filled. For more information on our research program visit our
website at: http://derekhoganresearch.wordpress.com/ or contact us directly.

 

J. Derek Hogan

Assistant Professor - Marine Biology

Dept. of Life Sciences

Texas A&M - Corpus Christi

Phone: +1 (361) 825 - 5883