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Job Announcement Needs: Field & Lab Research Assistants (6 - 10), sea lamprey (Wagner Lab, Michigan State University http://www.wagnerlabmsu.com/). Project Description & Job Roles: Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) are an aquatic invasive pest in the Laurentian Great Lakes. They inflict damage on commercially and recreationally important fishes by feeding parasitically on them, often fatally wounding hosts, and so negatively alter the lake’s ecology by changing the food web structure. Our research group investigates various aspects of sea lamprey biology, behavior, and chemical communication to discover means that will aid efforts to control the species. In particular, in 2019 we will focus on: i) the species’ chemical communication system during their terminal spawning migration into streams in spring-summer, ii) their nominal movement tendencies within streams during this period of their life, and iii) sex ratio shifts through ontogeny, and what impact that has on modelling control effort. Project work will take place near Millersburg, northern Michigan (USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station), as well as along the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. Projects may begin as early as mid-April and will continue into late-July. During this time you will be working regularly with staff from the US Geological Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, as well as other MSU faculty and students. While working with our team you will gain experience in a wide range of transferable skills, such as: experimental design, animal handling, data collection, problem-solving, and see first-hand how science informs management practice. Such skill will help you prepare for a career in STEM disciplines. A typical work day might include: travel to remote field sites, tagging sea lamprey for telemetry studies; maintenance of sensitive lab and field equipment; data collection, processing and archiving; fish husbandry; preparation of chemical stimuli. A typical work week will be 40 hours. Our studies regularly take place overnight as a result of the species’ nocturnal habits. Local accommodation will be provided at no charge, and transport is provided for travel between the field station, field sites, and other work related needs. Requirements: Completion of two or more years of college-level coursework in a science-related field (e.g., ecology, behavior, conservation, fisheries, etc.). Importantly, you will be trust-worthy, diligent, detail-oriented, and curious in nature. Conditions in northern Michigan during spring-summer can be inclement (i.e., warm, humid and “very buggy”) and applicants should be comfortable in these conditions for extended periods of time. Applicants must also be comfortable working throughout the night. You must hold a valid driver’s license, and experience driving four-wheel drive trucks is beneficial but not required. We are looking for responsible and motivated individuals who will work well with others under these conditions. Applicants will be required to: carry up to 40 lbs.; carefully handle expensive equipment; and be able to maintain a high quality work ethic under difficult field conditions. Start Date: April 15th - May 15th, or soonest thereafter. This is dependent on prevailing weather conditions (i.e., early vs. late spring). Compensation: $14/hr. Shared housing will be provided free of charge. How to apply: Provide a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, and include an up-to-date CV. Please include: 1) your name; 2) a permanent mailing address; 3) telephone number; 4) email address; 5) date of birth; 6) education, including descriptions of relevant classes; 7) work or volunteer experience related to the job role; and 8) two references with contact information. Send your application to: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Phone: 517-353-0731. Application deadline: 08 Feb 2019. Successful applicants will be contacted via email to confirm their availability to interview. Interviews will take place at Michigan State University, but can be conducted remotely.