REU about wild populations become resilient to global change stressors

Paid Summer 2022 REU at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology Univ Of PA (accommodations provided) The Richards-Zawacki lab at the University of Pittsburgh (http://www.rzlab.pitt.edu ) invites undergraduate applicants for a 10-week summer research experience at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology in northwestern Pennsylvania (http://ple.pitt.edu ). This position is part of the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program and offers the opportunity to work on a multinational project studying how wild populations become resilient to global change stressors (https://ribbitr.com ). Ongoing work in the Richards-Zawacki lab aims to clarify how some amphibian populations are managing to be resilient in the face of chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease driving amphibian population declines worldwide. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with other members of the Richards-Zawacki lab to survey local amphibians for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the pathogen that causes chytridiomycosis, and also design and carry out an independent project related to this host-pathogen system. Room and board at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology will be provided, along with transportation to and from the field station and a stipend of $500/week. The position is open to undergraduate students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions and are enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree. To be eligible, the applicant must not have completed their degree prior to the start of the REU experience. A valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a vehicle to and between field sites will also be important, though the applicant need not have their own vehicle. The exact timing of the experience is flexible between early May and late August. To apply, please send a one page personal statement (about your scientific interests and how this REU will support your professional goals), your resume or cv, unofficial transcripts, and the names of two professional references (including title, address, phone number and email address) to Dr. Cori Richards-Zawacki (cori.zawacki@pitt.edu ). Applications are due February 25, 2022. Please direct any questions you may have about the program to Dr. Richards-Zawacki (cori.zawacki@pitt.edu ).