Part-Time Frog Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in State College is seeking undergraduate students to assist in amphibian breeding research. The role involves developing breeding plans, maintaining amphibian housing, and monitoring health behaviors of multiple frog species. Candidates should have a keen interest in biological research and the welfare of amphibians. This position will contribute to significant conservation efforts, offering hands-on experience in research methodologies.

Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate student interested in biological research.
• Ability to participate in various amphibian care tasks.
• Capability to observe and record data accurately.

Responsibilities

• Participate in amphibian research projects.
• Design and set up breeding plans for frogs.
• Maintenance of amphibian housing.
• Recording breeding behavior.
• Contribute to daily amphibian care and health monitoring.

Education

Undergraduate student status

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 400 species of frogs. Like many tropical regions, Madagascar's mid-high elevation rainforest is climatically favorable to Bd (Lotters et al. 2008). Bd has spread rapidly around the world, so it is likely only a matter of time before a lethal strain of the pathogen reaches Madagascar. The over-arching goal of this research is to proactively develop disease mitigation strategies, such as skin probiotics, for amphibian conservation. To accomplish this, we have established a colony of Madagascar frogs, representing 14 species. Currently, we are working to develop effective ways to captively-breed selected species, maintain tadpoles and produce viable froglets. By producing additional individuals, we can conduct experimental work to identify effective probiotic therapies for Madagascar frogs. In addition, we are interested in observing and recording breeding behaviors for these under-studied species.

The Bletz Lab is seeking undergraduate student(s) to assist with multiple aspects of this work, particularly the captive breeding of the frogs in our amphibian colony. Read more about our lab's work here: https://mollybletz.wixsite.com/mollybletz, and please reach out to Dr. Molly Bletz with questions ([e-mail])

Job duties may include:

• Participate in amphibian research projects
• Design and set up breeding plans for frogs
• Maintenance of amphibian housing
• Recording breeding behavior
• Contribute to daily amphibian care and health monitoring

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EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.