-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Russell L. Burke
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 10:44 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] REU) position summer 2012 to study Lyme disease ecology

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available for summer 2012 to study Lyme disease ecology with Drs. Russell Burke (Hofstra University)  and Rick Gerhold (University of Tennessee). The project will investigate blacklegged tick host-preferences for introduced Italian wall lizards compared to native lizards and investigate wall lizard competency as Borrelia burgdorferi reservoirs.

The REU student will join two labs of graduate and undergraduate students working on an NSF-funded project focused on understanding the factors that control Lyme Disease (LD) transmission. These labs are part of a larger team investigating the ecology and biology of LD ticks and their vertebrate hosts at sites in central and eastern U.S. using field data and molecular and modeling tools, to produce a more informed understanding of the ecological and evolutionary basis for the apparent rarity of infected vector ticks in the South.

The REU student will conduct two related projects. First, at Hofstra, he/she will study the host-preferences of tick nymphs on native lizard hosts, wall lizard hosts, and small mammal hosts.  Then the student will travel to University of Tennessee to investigate the competency of wall lizards as Borrelia burgdorferi reservoirs. The student will collect blood from lizards to set up tests to determine B. burgdorferi infection.  This experience will include some field work, some behavioral work in a laboratory setting, and some bench lab work.  

The ideal candidate will be hard-working, meticulous, careful, work well in a team setting, and be interested in pursuing a career in science.  The start date is flexible, but preference will be given to a student available June and July 2012.  The REU student will earn a stipend ($500/week for 10 weeks) and receive additional support for lodging in both locations, and travel between Long Island and Knoxville.  The REU student will be invited to attend a relevant professional meeting with one of the labs in a subsequent year.

Interested students are encouraged to apply by March 1, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be currently enrolled in a college or university (i.e. recent graduates are ineligible). Students from groups typically underrepresented in the sciences and students from smaller institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications should be sent to [log in to unmask] and should include: unofficial copy of transcripts, contact information for three academic references, CV or resume indicating relevant experience, and a one page statement that describes your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and previous research experience (if any). Please confirm in your statement that you meet each eligibility requirement above (e.g., citizenship, enrolled in college, available for 10-12 weeks during the summer). 

For more information, or if you have questions, please contact:
Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549