Wood Duck Parasitology Intern

UWSTP University of Wisconsin Stevens Point; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is seeking a Wood Duck Parasitology Intern for the Orlofske Lab in the Biology Department. The intern will handle carcasses, identify specimens, conduct dissections, and contribute to parasite surveys for the research project.

The role requires microscopy skills, careful record keeping, and adherence to biosafety protocols. Compensation is $15 per hour with a flexible schedule during the academic term.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in at least twelve undergraduate credits per semester.
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher.
• Able to work 6–12 hours per week, mainly 8:00–16:30, Monday–Friday, with occasional weekends.

Responsibilities

• Follow biosafety protocols at all times.
• Plan and develop research objectives and track deadlines.
• Identify waterfowl specimens and perform complete parasite surveys.
• Collect tissue samples and prepare samples for analysis.

Skills

Parasitology

Microscopy

Dissection

Record keeping

Education

Undergraduate enrollment (12 credits)

Tools

Dissecting microscope

Compound light microscope

Lab safety protocols

Job description

Position Title

Wood Duck Parasitology Intern

Job Category

Student Hourly Job

Job Profile

Student Help

Job Summary

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.

Scope of Responsibility

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.

Specific Duties

• 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.

Skills / Requirements

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.

Qualifications and Compensation

Qualifications

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 semester. Majority of scheduled hours will fall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) with occasional weekend hours as needed.

Compensation

$15 per hour

Student Learning/Internship Outcomes

• Develop time management and organizational skills to complete projects by established deadlines within a professional setting
• Gain research, experimental design and data analysis experience
• Gain hands on skills with scientific instruments and protocols
• Develop natural history collections specimen and data management skills
• Make connections with other professional agencies and organizations
• Develop independent research goals (in collaboration with faculty mentor) to support individual career pursuits

Special Notes

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com. Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources andAffirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or [e-mail]. The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the Universities of Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The Universities of Wisconsin and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.