SCWDS Opportunities

Title: SCWDS Research Technician
Department: VetMed-Wildlife Disease Study
Posting Number: S09910P

Position Summary:
Participate in field investigations of disease agents and parasites in wildlife in relation to wildlife, domestic animal, and public health, and participate in disease control and management programs. Vectors and vector-borne diseases are of particular interest. Field methods used will include lethal collection of wildlife for collection of biological specimens, as well as live capture, handling, and examination of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Field collection of arthropods will include examination of wild animals, as well as the use of tick drags and tick traps. Field work will involve extensive walking, handling of traps, and handling of wildlife. Conditions will include rough terrain, inclement weather, and unusual work hours including both day and/or night work. Preferable qualifications include the ability to use firearms , off-road vehicles including 4×4 vehicles, mist nets, traps, and a net gun. In addition to active sampling for vectors, we will work with a network of collaborators to obtain ticks from wildlife. This work involves frequent contact with collaborators, excellent organizational skills, and coordination of tick collection kits. Laboratory duties will include microscopy for identification of vectors and use of molecular assays to confirm identification of vectors and testing of vectors for pathogens. Basic computer skills are necessary. Travel within the southeastern United States (especially Texas and Georgia) will be involved. Travel to foreign countries may be involved. Trips vary from one to three weeks in duration. Professionalism and positive attitude should be maintained because this person will have frequent contact with agency personnel and the public, which will help to maintain the professional image and credibility of SCWDS. BS degree in wildlife biology or related field and one year experience with collection and/or capture and handling of free-ranging wildlife and/or experience with molecular assays is required.

Recruitment Contact:
Sarah Williamson
smw22@uga.edu

Title: Research Technician (Part Time)
Department: VetMed-Pathology
Posting Number: G/R19701P

The main objective of the position is to support a research project focused on experimental infection of wild turkeys with lymphoproliferative disease virus. The job will be housed at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) and Department of Pathology at the University of Georgia. This position provides the opportunity to be part of a dynamic research team for a one-year study. The Research Technician will play a key supportive role an investigation into disease manifestations of lymphoproliferative disease virus in wild turkeys in an experimental setting.

The technician will work closely with a PhD student and supervising faculty member at SCWDS as well as with other staff members, student assistants, and student volunteers. The person in this position will help support the research in numerous ways, which may include egg and animal husbandry and sampling, processing of biological samples (e.g., oral/cloacal swabs, blood, tissues), performing laboratory assays (i.e., PCR), data entry and upkeep and other computer related tasks, equipment and laboratory maintenance, scheduling student assistants, cataloging and data collection from video records (behavior aspect), ordering and stocking supplies, assistance in necropsy and formalin-fixed tissue processing, organizational aspects, and other duties as needed. This job may also involve training and overseeing activities of work-study students, veterinary student externs, volunteer students, and others to assist in the above duties. The technician may participate in data analysis if time and interest permits. Work hours will be 20 hours a week (50% time), with some flexibility between the hours of 8:00am -5:00pm.

Activities and decisions are varied in nature, needing independent action and judgment in solving common problems. Less common scenarios or matters are resolved with the oversight of the supervising faculty, PhD student or other senior faculty/staff members.

Title: Research Work Study 
Department: VetMed-Pathology
Posting Number: G/R19702P

This position will be housed at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) through the Department of Pathology. 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 (UGA). As a regional cooperative, SCWDS is involved in diverse projects, including wildlife mortality investigations, pathogen surveillance, and a variety of basic and applied wildlife health research projects.

SCWDS is seeking applications for a student worker position to support SCWDS research activities. The position will include up to 20 hours/week during the summer semester and 5-10 hours per week during the fall semester. Primary duties for this position will center on animal husbandry and laboratory techniques supporting a research project with wild turkeys. The primary duties will involve daily scheduled visits to colony-housed turkeys to refill food and water containers, maintain a clean environment, and monitor animal activity. As time permits, additional tasks may include assisting in weekly turkey handling and sampling, laboratory processing of research samples, reviewing remote recordings for behavior changes, scribing during postmortem examination, assistance with clerical activities, and report and data preparation. Again, if time permits, the person in this position may occasionally assist faculty and staff during laboratory processing of diagnostic or research samples or special projects.

The student must demonstrate a willingness to learn and receive direction, as well as an enthusiasm and interest in conservation and wildlife health. No prior experience is required, although animal handling and basic laboratory experience is preferred. Ability to travel to enclosures (approximately 2 miles distance from SCWDS on UGA’s main campus) by personal vehicle or bus is required. Interested candidates should contact Chloe Goodwin (chloecgoodwin@uga.edu) or Nicole Nemeth (nmnemeth@uga.edu).