Seasonal Field Technician

The Balenger Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi (http://biology.olemiss.edu/susan-balenger) is seeking a Research Associate to assist in studies of Eastern Bluebird breeding behavior, songbird susceptibility to the pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and selection in response to the severe weather events. Field work will be conducted at the University of Mississippi Field Station and Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in northern Mississippi. The incumbent will work with, be trained by, and answer directly to Dr. Susan Balenger. Duties may include checking nestboxes, banding and collecting blood samples from adult and nestling songbirds, conducting bluebird behavioral observations in the field, mistnetting and trapping adult songbirds; husbandry and cage maintenance of captive birds; and assisting with the management of undergraduate research assistants. If interested, there is also an opportunity to learn/conduct routine genetic and immunological assays and small animal dissections.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology from an accredited college or university before start date.
• Capable of working independently under hot and humid conditions.
• Experience banding & bleeding birds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience mistnetting and trapping songbirds.

The position is full-time and pays $12.00-14.00/hour depending on experience. Housing may be included depending on start date and availability. Anticipated start date is April 1, 2021 or soon thereafter and the season is expected to end July 31, 2021.

For more information, please contact Susan Balenger directly at balenger@olemiss.edu.

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.