Paid Research Internships - The Guppy Project
Location
Trinidad, West Indies
Organization
Multi-institutional collaboration: University of California (Riverside), Florida State University, University of Oxford, and Auburn University
Contract Type
Internship (minimum 3 months with possibility of extension and/or promotion to field site manager)
Main Description
Research interns are needed to assist in a multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator, experimental study of the evolution of species interactions in Trinidad, West Indies. The research is led by Professors David Reznick (University of California, Riverside), Joseph Travis (Florida State University), Tim Coulson (University of Oxford), and Ron Bassar (Auburn University).
We seek to integrate multiple biological fields for the study of these interactions in experimental populations of guppies and killifish in Trinidad. Duties include assisting in monthly censuses of guppy and killifish populations in montane streams and helping to execute experiments in on-site artificial streams. The monthly censuses include long hours in the field and laboratory.
Requirements
- Interest in pursuing graduate studies in ecology and evolution
- Ability to live and work well with others
- Good physical condition (research involves carrying heavy packs over slippery and steep terrain)
- Able to work in semi-remote areas, sometimes under bad weather conditions
Desirable skills (not required):
- Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle
- First-aid/first responder training
- Skills in automobile maintenance
- Construction skills
Benefits/Conditions
- Monthly stipend: $700 USD per month for first-time interns
- Travel costs covered (up to $900 USD)
- Housing provided
- Potential start dates: June 2025 and every month thereafter until September 2025
How to Apply
Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and the names and e-mail addresses of three or more professional references to David Reznick (gupy@ucr.edu). At least two of the references should be academics.
For more information on the project and access to reprints, please visit www.theguppyproject.weebly.com. Be sure to check out the video menu, which includes "guppy censuses" as submenu VII. It details the main tasks associated with the internship.
Additional Contact Information:
Ron Bassar Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences Auburn University Personal Webpage: www.ron-bassar.squarespace.com Guppy Project Webpage: www.theguppyproject.weebly.com
