Undergraduate Research Opportunities
1) Undergraduate Research Assistants - Species range limits and climate change - Spring 2012
Job Purpose: Support research for an NSF funded project examining how species range limits are set and how we can predict their response to climate change.
Job Description: Assist with experiments to determine how species will respond to climate change. The project will test different models for shifting species' ranges in a laboratory system: the flour beetle. Students will be exposed to a modern quantitative approach in ecology and evolution. Responsibilities include: 1) Perform DNA extractions following standard protocols. 2) Set up and maintain experiments on dispersal and reproduction of flour beetles in laboratory microcosms, following standard protocols. 3) Enter data into Excel spreadsheets. 4) Opportunity and mentorship for further independent work and research experience will be available and is encouraged. 5) There will also be opportunities to interact with undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty at collaborating labs at the University of California Davis and Colorado State University.
Job Requirements: Experience with DNA extraction or related laboratory techniques is a plus. Background or courses in environmental sciences/ecology, entomology, molecular biology, or math is required. Must be reliable and self-motivated, and able to work without direct supervision. Requires excellent computer skills. The position will give students experience in laboratory work and environmental sciences, and skills in scientific experimentation. We are especially interested in students who would like to gain research experience. Our students from past years have been very successful in pursuing scholarships and further studies.
Name of Student's Supervisor: Dr. Brett Melbourne
Available Positions: 2 - you will be part of a team of 7
undergrad assistants
Hours: 10.0 hrs/week
Hourly Rate: $10.55/hour
Time Frame: Spring
Start Date: Beginning of Spring semester
How to apply: Send your resume, include your GPA, relevant classes taken, and a brief description of relevant experience to Dr Brett Melbourne at brett.melbourne@colorado.edu. We need to fill the position immediately, so please send application materials as soon as possible. We will begin processing applications on Feb 03.