Wood Duck Parasitology Intern

Wood Duck Parasitology Intern

Student Hourly Job

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Wood Duck Parasitology Intern Orlofske Lab, Department of Biology University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

Accountability:
Reports to Dr. Sarah Orlofske, Associate Professor of Biology and Curator of Animal Parasites, and provides specimen handling, record keeping and data collection for research projects and the parasitology museum collection.

The Wood Duck Parasitology Project is focused on the collection of avian blood parasite and helminth parasites of wood ducks to investigate the patterns of infection based on sex, age, year of study, and geographic location within Wisconsin. Funded by the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association this project will help inform a variety of stakeholders in the overall health of wood ducks within the state.

The Wood Duck Parasitology Intern is responsible for following all approved biosafety protocols in the laboratory. The Intern will be expected to handle waterfowl carcasses donated by hunters, state or federal wildlife officials. The Intern will assist with identification of specimens (species, age, sex) and conduct complete dissection procedures and surveys for external and internal parasites. Detailed record keeping and organization of parasite specimens is also expected.

• Follows all approved biosafety protocols in the lab at all times
• Plans and develops research objectives for individual projects and ensures that project deadlines are tracked and met
• Provides accurate identification of waterfowl specimens based on morphological characteristics
• Follows standard operating protocols for examination of waterfowl specimens for complete survey of external and internal parasites
• Collects host tissue samples for future examination of blood parasites and host genetic analysis.
• Prepares samples for molecular and morphological analysis including collecting digital microscope images of specimens.
• Locates and critically reads pertinent scientific literature and taxonomic keys for identification of parasite specimens
• Administrative duties
• Creates and maintains consistent work schedule by the first week of the semester
• Completes and submits all personnel information as required by deadlines, including timecards and schedule changes
• Manages digital photo records for parasite specimens in accordance with museum record keeping standards
• Ensures accurate and complete record keeping of host data and parasite specimens collected, identified and submitted to the parasitology museum collection
• Maintains electronic records of parasite data and digital microscope images
• Communicates professionally with other interns, students, faculty mentors as well as specimen donors and wildlife officials.

Professional interest in biology or natural resources research, including ecology, evolution, wildlife disease, parasitology, waterfowl biology or museum collections.

Requires knowledge and ability to properly handle parasite specimens and basic dissection tools.

Requires knowledge and ability to use dissecting (stereo) and compound light microscopes.

Requires knowledge and ability to use basic laboratory chemicals and cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Must have the ability to maintain detailed, accurate records for procedures and specimens.

Must have the ability to work individually as well as in a team environment.

To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in at least twelve undergraduate credits per semester, be in good academic standing with the University, and maintain a 2.5 GPA. The position requires the ability to work approximately 6-12 hours per week during the…