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.

These positions are open periodically, depending on needs. Please check UGAJobs for active postings.

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

The Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Georgia (https://vet.uga.edu/pathology) in conjunction with the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS, https://vet.uga.edu/scwds), has an open internship training position in anatomic pathology, with emphasis on wildlife diagnostics, beginning September 1, 2025. This 1-year internship is designed to provide training in anatomic pathology and postmortem examination of both domestic animals and wildlife. The position serves as an advanced training opportunity in preparation for an anatomic pathology residency, or for future research and training (e.g., MS or PhD) or positions in the fields of wildlife or domestic animal diagnostic medicine. The incoming intern will join a team in the Department of Pathology that includes 9 anatomic pathology residents, and a diverse faculty, including 23 ACVP diplomates, with expertise in domestic, aquatic, avian, exotic, wildlife, and laboratory animal pathology. The intern will also be part of the wildlife diagnostic team at SCWDS, which has a robust wildlife caseload including avian, mammalian, and herpetofauna. SCWDS provides direct diagnostic support to 18 state/territorial wildlife management agencies and two federal wildlife agencies for wildlife mortality investigations. Internship training includes necropsy and biopsy experience through the AAVLD-accredited UGA VDLs, surgical biopsy and the SCWDS Wildlife Diagnostic Service.

The starting salary is $40,000 per year plus and travel support to regional and national meetings. Applicants must possess a DVM or equivalent degree, must be United States citizens or be eligible for lawful admission to the United States, and must provide evidence of academic strength and interest in wildlife health and anatomic pathology. Top candidates may be asked to participate in phone, videoconference, and/or in-person interviews.

Applications submitted by August 1, 2025 are assured consideration. For further information contact Dr. Nicole Nemeth ([email protected]), Dr. Elizabeth Howerth ([email protected]) or Dr. James Stanton ([email protected]). The following application materials must be sent electronically to Ms. Amanda Wages at [email protected]: curriculum vitae, personal statement (please include professional goals and explain why you are a good candidate for this position), and unofficial veterinary school transcripts. Each file should be labeled with the applicant’s last name and file contents (e.g., Stanton_CV.pdf). Three letters of reference are also required, but they may be emailed separately.

The University of Georgia is located in Athens, a vibrant community of 100,000 located in the wooded Piedmont hills of northeast Georgia. Offering the amenities of a cosmopolitan city, the surrounding area also offers a wide variety of lifestyle choices. Athens is located 1½ hours from Atlanta, two hours from the Appalachian Trail, and four hours from the Atlantic coast. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).