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Seasonal Surveillance Technician (2 positions)
New England Regional Center for Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC)/ Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Proposed Start/End date: 9/22/2024– 1/11/2025
Position Description:
The aim of our work this semester is to better understand the tick populations in areas where people in Western MA are spending time outdoors. The long-term tick surveillance locations have been identified using data from a spatial case-control study. We have identified tick risky areas (hotspots/coldspots) in Western MA and now we are monitoring tick populations in those locations. This is part of a large study called Project ITCH, which is funded by NEWVEC and involves collaborators across New England.
With support and guidance from Andrew Lover (Associate Professor of Epidemiology, SPHHS & Deputy Director, NEWVEC) and Johanna Ravenhurst (PhD candidate in Epidemiology, SPHHS), and direct supervision from Veronica Bobskill (Seasonal Surveillance Technician Manager, NEWVEC) this position will entail:
- Conduct tick collections following a standard protocol, in collaboration with tick surveillance manager.
- Work schedule will be set in collaboration with the tick surveillance manager. Work outdoors is weather dependent.
- Travel to collection sites in Western MA
- Entry of field-collected data into central database
- Vegetation surveys at surveillance sites
- Assist with additional research tasks as appropriate based on level of experience
Compensation:
This is an hourly position at $20 per hour. 10-15 hours/week based on availability, we need coverage for every weekday split between 2-3 students.
Required skills:
Must be able to walk over uneven terrain while dragging a cloth to collect ticks. Ability to lift 40 lbs. Attention to detail. Ability to follow a tick collection protocol after training as directed. Demonstrated punctuality, dependability, and compliance with work schedules. Interest in infectious disease epidemiology and/or ecology is a plus. Strong independent problem-solving skills. Ability to work as part of a team.
Application Instructions:
Please email a cover letter and resume to alover [at] umass [dot] edu (alover[at]umass[dot]edu), jravenhu [at] umass [dot] edu (jravenhu[at]umass[dot]edu), and vbobskill [at] umass [dot] edu (vbobskill[at]umass[dot]edu) by Monday, September 16, 2024.
NOTE: You must have a large block of availability on at least 2 weekdays every week to conduct sampling in the field. Please list your availability in your application.