SCWDS Opportunities

Title: SCWDS Student Worker
Department: VetMed-Wildlife Disease Study
Posting Number: Subject to change

Position Summary: 

The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) is a state and federal cooperative wildlife health research unit in the Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia. As a regional cooperative, SCWDS is involved in a diversity of projects: wildlife mortality investigations, pathogen surveillance, vector surveillance, and applied wildlife health research projects. On an as-needed basis, SCWDS seeks applications for student workers for up to 20 hours/week/student. Specific duties are diverse and will vary depending on current project needs and time of year, but may include: assistance with laboratory and facility organization; laboratory maintenance, stocking, and cleaning; laboratory identification of arthropod vectors; assistance with clerical activities and report preparation; and departmental vehicle maintenance. This position may also assist faculty and staff with laboratory processing of diagnostic and/or research samples, field research and surveillance activities, and wildlife mortality investigations. The student should demonstrate a willingness to learn and an interest in conservation and wildlife health. No prior experience is needed, although basic experience in microbiology, entomology, and/or wildlife biology is preferred.

Interested candidates should contact Betsy Kurimo-Beechuk ([email protected]).

Title: Wildlife Disease Diagnostician
Department: VetMed-Wildlife Disease Study
Posting Number: S11136P

Position Summary: 

The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia) is seeking applications for a licensed veterinarian to serve as Wildlife Disease Diagnostician. SCWDS is a state-federal cooperative that provides wildlife disease expertise, research and diagnostic capacity to member state and federal wildlife agencies. This full-time, service-oriented staff position will serve the SCWDS Research and Diagnostic Service under the direction of a board-certified pathologist and in conjunction with the diagnostic team. The Service supports member agencies with wildlife mortality investigations and receives over 900 accessions annually. The distribution of effort is 75% service, 10% research, and 15% instruction.

As a Wildlife Disease Diagnostician, the service duties of this position will include providing postmortem diagnostic support and diagnostic case oversight. These duties entail complete diagnostic evaluation of wildlife mortality samples submitted by SCWDS member agencies, including gross and microscopic examination, selection of ancillary diagnostic tests, interpretation of results, final report preparation, and communication of results to the submitting agency personnel. The person may help supervise diagnosticians, graduate students, residents, veterinary student externs and technical staff involved in the Service. Assistance with laboratory management, oversight, and biosafety compliance may be needed. Diagnostic duties may require up to 26 weeks of duty per year under direction of the Head of the Service and the SCWDS Director. Other service activities include consultations with wildlife agency personnel to help inform wildlife health management. Research contributions of this position will include supporting collaborative wildlife health research with SCWDS faculty and member agencies. Contribution to newsletters, scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings under provided mentorship, is required. Instructional activities will include assisting with coordination of the SCWDS wildlife health externship program for veterinary students. There may also be opportunities to help train wildlife agency personnel, incoming SCWDS diagnosticians, undergraduate students, and veterinary students, as well as provide guest lectures.

Applicants should have a DVM (or equivalent), knowledge of diseases of free-ranging wildlife, and exposure to principles of wildlife management. Experience with, or strong desire to learn, diagnostic pathology is required. Strong interpersonal skills and team mentality, excellent written and verbal communication skills, leadership potential, attention to detail and diligence, and ability to thrive in a collaborative research and service-motivated environment are critical. Basic computer skills are essential. Establishing and maintaining working relationships with state and federal agency personnel, and other collaborators is essential. Professionalism and positive attitude must be maintained as this person will have frequent contact with agency personnel and the public, which will help to maintain the professional image and credibility of SCWDS.

More information and a complete description of this position can be found online at – https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/345692. Application materials (cover letter, CV, online application) should be submitted online at the same website. The posting will remain open until filled. A January start date is preferred. Questions should be directed to Mark Ruder ([email protected], 706-542-1741).