We are working on bacterial gut symbionts that live in bees, with the goal of understanding how they affect the health of their hosts.
For full consideration please send the following to kim.hammond@utexas.edu:
• resume
• schedule availability
• name/contact for at least two references
• brief summary of why you are interested in the position
• relevant courses & total GPA
• lab experience, including specific skills learned
Background in biology, some previous lab experience, at least in courses.
Preference for students with interests in genetics, microbiology, evolutionary biology, or insects.
The most important requirement is a strong curiosity about biology and motivation to learn more!
Position can start immediately, 10 or more hours a week during weekdays from 9am-6pm, and applicants should have 2-3 hour blocks of time available in their schedule.
Undergrads join the project each year, as previous students graduate and leave.
The experience is more beneficial if students can spend more than a year; therefore we prefer students who are not yet entering the senior year. Preference will be given to students of sophomore or junior class standing who can work with the lab for at least a year including the summer and would be ideal for a student interested in postgraduate research.
Job duties will involve working with indoor bumble bee hives and helping to take of them. Students seeking this position should be highly self-motivated and intellectually curious, with a strong interest in microbiology and/or molecular techniques. This position will also involve dissections of bees. Desired, but not required skills include working with live animals and basic lab skills (pipetting, light microscopy, PCR). Applicants need to be meticulous, well-organized, and able to keep up-to-date records. Students should not be allergic to bees or afraid of working with them.
In this position, the student will learn a wide range of transferable lab skills, and gain first-hand experience in the scientific research process. There may also be opportunities for independent research projects, contingent on the student's interests and abilities.
