Avian Researcher, Assistant Research Scientist III

Employer:Center for Ecological Entomology, Illinois Natural History Survey, a Division of the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)

Location:Medical Entomology Lab, Champaign, IL

Job Description:The Avian Researcher will be stationed at the Survey’s Center for Ecological Entomology in Urbana-Champaign, but the incumbent’s duties include considerable seasonal travel throughout the state under the supervision of the Director of the Medical Entomology Program. The Avian Researcher will develop studies dealing with ecology of mosquito-host- pathogen interactions to better understand the transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne diseases on wildlife. The incumbent is expected to coordinate and train a field staff and students responsible for capture and handling of birds, collection and processing of blood samples, and determining the local abundance of birds and other wildlife in conjunction with ongoing studies of West Nile Virus. The incumbent will record and organize results of all avian field studies and analyze data and prepare scientific publications, will make oral presentations at appropriate scientific meetings, and will prepare written reports for the director of the Medical Entomology Program.

Qualifications: The incumbent must possess a Ph.D. in ornithology, ecology, wildlife biology, or other appropriate discipline. The individual is expected to have a strong background in avian population ecology, an understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis of data, and experience in field ecology or avian behavior. Expertise in avian surveys and population dynamics is desirable. Incumbent should have the ability to supervise and manage personnel and data from numerous avian projects, and should possess good interpersonal communication skills to develop successful working relationships with various constituencies and individuals. The individual must possess good writing skills, and an ability to analyze data. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able and willing to work under field conditions with little supervision.

Salary: $35,000-$38,000

Benefits: Generous vacation, sick and personal leave. State University Retirement System. State sponsored Group Health, Dental and Life Insurance.

Available: Position is available immediately and funds should be available to continue through May, 2007.

Application:Applications will be accepted until September 10, 2004 or until a suitable candidate is found. To apply, please email or mail cover letter, resume and college transcripts (copies acceptable) to:

Human Resources Office, PRF # 1294
Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 265-5644; Fax: (217) 333-4949; hroffice@inhs.uiuc.edu

For technical questions about this position, contact: Nina M. Krasavin,
Phone: (217) 333-1186; krasavin@uiuc.edu